Concord Hospitality Unveils $7 Million Renovation of Renaissance Meadowlands Hotel

Concord Hospitality, one of the top-ranked hotel developer/owner/operators in North America, today announced the completion of a $7 million renovation of the 167-room (including five suites) Renaissance Meadowlands in Rutherford, N.J. The hotel is owned in a joint venture between Rockbridge, a private equity firm that invests in hotels, and Concord.

The five-month project involved a complete rejuvenation of all guest rooms, guest bathrooms, and public spaces. This included a rebranding of the hotel’s restaurant, Finch’s, and reconfiguration of the lounge and lobby creating more of a “great room” style space. Guest room renovations include conversion to frameless glass showers, new case goods, soft goods, vanities, tile and fixtures. Architectural Services were provided by Thomas Hamilton and Associates of Richmond, VA.

“We are really proud of the relationship with Concord,” noted Jim Merkel, Rockbridge president & CEO. “The team’s collaboration on this project significantly transformed the property to meet the needs of today’s traveler.”

“Today’s guests are using hotel lobbies and lounges as extended work spaces, as well as places to relax and interact with others,” said Mark Laport, president and CEO of Concord. “The renovation of Finch’s lounge to integrate with the lobby great room creates the kind of contemporary public space that invites relaxing work and social business.”

“Renaissance is known for incorporating local culture into the overall hotel concept,” said Donna Italia, general manager. “The Renaissance Meadowland’s new look was created by Dash Design and inspired by the Richard W. DeKorte Park, a local bird sanctuary. The details include bird houses, nest chairs, origami birds, ethereal feathers and lines of branches. New Jersey is the Garden State, after all, and nature is reflected throughout.”

The rebranded Finch’s offers what Concord’s Corporate Director of Food and Beverage Dean Wendell calls “interesting food excellently prepared.” The food and beverage team, working with local farms and sources including Valley Shepard Creamery and Tierhouse Farm, is focused on fresh and inventive options for the restaurant and the hotel’s well-regarded catering services which specializes in intimate, VIP events for groups up to 120 people.

“Because of its location near the NJ Turnpike and the Meadowlands sports and entertainment complex, the Renaissance Meadowlands draws business travelers from New York and Philadelphia, as well as the surrounding area, along with leisure guests visiting for games and concerts,” noted Italia. “We enjoy a discerning clientele that appreciates the nuances and local references that are incorporated into each Renaissance hotel. Guests are lingering in the cozy lobby seating areas, convening at the communal tables and interacting in the open lounge areas, all of which are sure signs of their enthusiasm for the new design. Our public spaces now have an inviting, convivial vibe.”

Less than 10 miles from Manhattan and convenient to Newark, LaGuardia and JFK airports, the Renaissance Meadowlands Hotel is a prime location for business travelers, as well as tourists taking in the vibrant sporting and cultural attractions in the area. The hotel offers easy access to the MetLife Sports Complex, home of the NY Giants, NY Jets and a major concert venue, the Meadowlands Racetrack, the Prudential Center, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Ellis Island and the Liberty Science Center. Public transportation to Manhattan is within walking distance, and the hotel is near I-95, the NJ Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway.

About Rockbridge
Rockbridge is a private equity firm that invests in hotels. Over the past 20+ years, it has made more than 330 hotel investments in 44 states in transactions worth more than $5 billion. Through its deep in-house experience and strong foundation of industry relationships, Rockbridge has delivered a track record of high absolute returns across multiple cycles and is a leading investor in hospitality. Rockbridge Hospitality Fund VI L.P, its largest fund to date, well exceeded its target capital raise and closed with $438 million of subscriptions from leading institutional and other private investors.

About Concord Hospitality
Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company, an award-winning hotel management and development company based in Raleigh, N.C., manages 90 upscale select-service and full-service hotels offering more than 12,000 guest rooms in 24 states and two Canadian provinces. The company operates hotels and resorts under such well-known industry elite brands as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Starwood, and Choice Hotels, as well as select independent boutique hotels. Formed in 1985, Concord is routinely listed among the nation’s top management companies and recently won some of the industry’s top honors from Marriott International and Hyatt. Concord properties are some of the most awarded hotels in the country, having won nearly 100 top honors in the past two years. For more information, visit www.concordhotels.com.