The Siena Hotel has gone through quite the renaissance over the years, but after a remodel project, the property will become a Marriott Renaissance. About $15 million is being invested into the downtown Reno property to meet Marriott's stringent design standards.Â
Only about 160 Renaissance Hotels are operating worldwide.
"It's very exciting that Reno is getting that type of recognition that those big corporations want to bring their best to the city," Bill Miles, President & CEO of Miles Construction said.
The Siena has had trouble having success since it opened in 2001. Officials say changing the brand and transforming it into a four-star, non-smoking, non-gaming hotel will help bring in new customers.
"It will definitely be something different and something that will attract people coming from out of town that aren't familiar with the area," Jeremme McGilvray, Manager of Adaptive Reuse for Miles Construction said.
There will be some major differences, including upgrades to its 214 hotel rooms, 15,500 square feet of convention, lobby and public spaces.
"Nobody will recognize it," McGilvray said. "It will be completely transformed from the lobby, the restaurant areas. We're definitely going to capitalize on the fact that this building is on the river."
The river is one of the unique, natural aspects of the property. One of the plans is to extend its north side balcony closer to the river.
"The building really captures the essence of the river in downtown Reno," Miles said. "The views from the existing restaurant here are spectacular."
The 17,000 square-foot casino area will be converted to a restaurant and bar. Seven indoor bocce courts will be installed in the same area.
"It will be a lot of fun for the folks who enjoy bocce ball or would like a little different experience," Miles said.
Part of the south parking lot will be converted to 9,000 square feet of outdoor garden area with two additional bocce courts, dining area and private event area. Miles says it is one more step in the right direction for downtown Reno.
"I think it's another incredible addition to downtown Reno and what the vision is," Miles said.
The exterior of the building will get new paint, along with some new lighting features.
"It will really set it apart from the other hotels in the area," McGilvray said.
