Graves Hospitality Takes over Management of Two St. Paul Hotels

Rowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront and DoubleTree St. Paul Downtown

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. March 27, 2013

MARCH 27, 2013 - Graves Hospitality Corporation officially announced that it is taking over the management and redevelopment of two major hotels in the downtown St. Paul market - the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel at 11 Kellogg Blvd. East, and the DoubleTree St. Paul Downtown Hotel at 411 Minnesota Street. The acquisition of these two hotels comprises nearly half of the hotel rooms in downtown St. Paul.

The hotels were purchased as part of an investment diversification mission by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, returning the hotel's ownership back to Minnesota. The Band selected Graves Hospitality Corporation to manage the hotels because of its proven record as the market leader in providing quality hotel offerings.
Over the past year, Ben Graves, President of Graves Hospitality Corporation, has worked closely with Joseph Nayquonabe, Jr.,Commissioner of Corporate Affairs for the Mille Lacs Band, to identify hotel properties with significant investment potential.

"Graves Hospitality's dedication to operating luxury hotels and providing the highest level of customer service aligns well with the Band's goals. For over 20 years, gaming has been the primary economic development tool for the Mille Lacs Band, and it has been very good for us, but the time has come to use the significant expertise we've developed in the hospitality sector to create new opportunities to diversify and grow our economic footprint beyond casinos, and beyond our own community," Nayquonabe, Jr. said.

Significant upgrades will be made to both properties in the coming months, in accordance with the property improvement plans (PIPs) issued by each franchise.

“We're known for creating world-class hotel experiences,” explained Ben Graves, President of Graves Hospitality Corporation. “We're excited not only about this partnership with the Band, but also about the improvements that we will be implementing in both St. Paul Hotels. The planned redevelopment of the food and beverage outlets will offer exceptional, new, destination-dining experiences for guests and local residents - weaving us even more closely with wonderful city of St. Paul. Guests will enjoy the attention to detail and superior customer service, which are trademarks of hotels managed by Graves.” Several physical changes are planned in addition to significant upgrades which will improve guest experience and satisfaction.

With this deal now closed, the Mille Lacs Band will continue to partner with Graves Hospitality Corporation looking for additional opportunities to make significant investments that meet its criteria. Nayquonabe, Jr. said that the Band plans to review as many deals as possible, and will take action on the best opportunities.

Graves Hospitality Corporation offers full-scale development and management services to luxury independent and branded upscale hotels, resorts, restaurants, housing and commercial projects. The company's development skills and comprehensive package of sales, marketing, human relations and other related services are honed from 33 years of industry success. An industry leader, GHC has provided development and/or management services to more than 100 projects. Passionate about providing guests, associates and owners with an unparalleled level of service and expertise, GHC is proud that its hotels achieve the highest ratings and are awarded the highest levels of recognition within their respective brands and markets. One of GHC's properties, Graves 601 Hotel Minneapolis, was just named Best Hotels in the World by Travel+Leisure.