More than 400 guests recently showed up to the Renaissance Dallas Hotel for the fabulous reveal of its multimillion-dollar renovation — and to rub elbows with members of the Marriott clan, who came to town for the special occasion.
Local VIPs — including Nancy Rogers, Barbara and Don Daseke, Diane and Hal Brierley, Terri Dolan, Jim Kaufman, Lee LaRochelle, Myrna and Bob Schlegel, Rob Steigerwald, and Mark Woelffer — joined J.W. Marriott Jr. and his son John W. Marriott III in rediscovering the Dallas landmark, which now boasts a 30,000-square-foot meeting and event space, 16,000-square-foot grand ballroom and 10,000-square-foot rooftop terrace dubbed City View that features some pretty impressive views of the Dallas skyline.
The grand opening celebration began with a VIP reception followed by a happy hour in the new grand foyer, where guests ogled works by local artist Shayema Rahim, glass sculpture artist Carlyn Ray and photographer Maxine Helfman. Then the Big “D” Band Drumline lured attendees inside the ballroom, where they discovered elaborate floral by Jackson Durham and designs by Stageworks.
Chef Frank Quant, with special guest chef Dean Max, set up four continuous action stations, where they churned out seasonal cuisine to sample. After appetites were satisfied, attendees made a beeline for the bar, scooped up a craft cocktail and headed to center stage where DJ Brandon Olds was spinning tunes.
“This world-class space is modern and cool, with one of the best ballrooms I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a lot,” said J.W. Marriott Jr. “ I know meeting planners and attendees are going to love coming to this hotel and to the great city of Dallas.”
The highlight of the evening came when Jan Strimple presented the Renaissance Collection (on display for public viewing beginning in January) during an avant-garde fashion show that impressed even the most seasoned fashionistas. Inspired by the hotel’s interior design, led by K2M Design, local designers Maria A. Luna, Terry Wise, Nicolas Villalba, Jessie Thaxton and Shemara Jeyarajah brought Strimple’s vision to life with elaborate garments consisting of furnishings and hard and soft goods found in the hotel.
Guests ended the night on the City View terrace, where they enjoyed dessert, soaked in the scenery and reflected on an impressive update to a classic Dallas hotel.
Chris King, Laurie Graham
