Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center in Grafton, Illinois Joins BW Premier Collection
PHOENIX, AZ. September 14, 2016 - Best Western® Hotels & Resorts announced today the addition of the BW Premier Collection Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center - the 40th property globally to join their rapidly expanding BW Premier Collection® portfolio. The BW Premier Collection is Best Western's soft brand - consisting of upscale, high-quality independent hotels in key markets that deliver exceptional and unique travel experiences, while retaining their design, name and orientation. BW Premier Collection properties are a fit for discerning travelers seeking a special and unique experience with the benefits of a global hotel brand.
“The BW Premier Collection Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center is a welcome addition to the family,” said Ron Pohl, Senior Vice President of Brand Management for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “The BW Premier Collection presents a tremendous opportunity for independent hotels to be part of our strong global hotel portfolio and gain access to Best Western Hotels & Resorts' resources. We're excited to have this architectural masterpiece onboard.”
Located in Grafton, Illinois, Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center was built by the Civilian Conservations Corps during the Great Depression and opened its doors to the public in 1940. With its transition to the BW Premier Collection, the property will be better equipped to further advance its business, as it gains access to Best Western's powerful and global infrastructure. Travelers will enjoy benefits from the company's award-winning loyalty program, Best Western Rewards®, and access to the brand's valuable partnerships and other initiatives.
The BW Premier Collection Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center features 50-foot vaulted ceilings, a 700-ton stone fireplace, wall of windows overlooking the Illinois River and an outdoor shaded terrace. The property also includes a Lodge Restaurant - known for its fried chicken - and an on-site winery providing guests with award-winning local wines.
In addition, BW Premier Collection Marquette Lodge & Conference Center contains 72 rooms, an indoor heated pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness center, volleyball nets, shuffleboard, a tennis court and life-size chess board. The property also incorporates over 3,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
“It's an honor for us to be joining the BW Premier Collection,” said Mike Westerfeld, general manager, BW Premier Collection Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to help us spread the word about our beautiful lodge, which is located near over 8,000 acres of walking trails, river valleys and breathtaking views. As part of Best Western, we can maintain our rustic identity, while gaining access to the company's worldwide resources and connections.”
Reservations at the BW Premier Collection Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center may be booked by calling the hotel directly at (618) 786-2331 or by calling Best Western's 24-hour, toll-free reservations number (800)-WESTERN. Reservations are also available from Best Western's website at bestwestern.com.
About Best Western Hotels & Resorts
Best Western® Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz., is a privately held hotel brand with a global network of 4,100* hotels in more than 100* countries and territories worldwide. Best Western offers seven hotel brands to suit the needs of developers and guests in every market: Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western℠, Vîb®, BW Premier Collection® and GLo℠. Now celebrating 70 years of hospitality, Best Western provides its hoteliers with global operational, sales and marketing support, and online and mobile booking capabilities. More than 26 million travelers are members of the brand's award-winning loyalty program Best Western Rewards®, one of the few programs in which members earn points that never expire and can be redeemed at any Best Western hotel worldwide. The brand's partnerships with AAA/CAA, Minor League Baseball, and Harley-Davidson® provide travelers with exciting ways to interact with the brand. Best Western continues to set industry records regarding awards and accolades, including Business Travel News naming Best Western as the best midscale hotel brand in 2014 and Best Western Plus as the best upper mid-price hotel brand in 2014 and 2015, four consecutive Compuware Best of the Web gold awards for best hotel website, and seven consecutive AAA/CAA Hotel Partner of the Year awards. Nearly 60 percent of Best Western branded hotels earned a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award in 2015. * Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline. * Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
Contact:
Courtney McCurry
Manager, Public Relations
602.957.5639
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
