President Obama Speaks near Baltimore, MD Inner Harbor at Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel

Baltimore, Maryland (March 5, 2010) – Just two days after his state of the union address, President Obama traveled to Baltimore to speak at the Republican House Retreat. This was the first time the President had been back to Baltimore since his inauguration tour through the mid-Atlantic and the only time a Democratic President has agreed to speak at this gathering of House Republicans. The usually closed-door, question-and-answer session was also to be shown live on cable news networks. Of all the hotels in Baltimore, the Maryland Ballroom of the recently renovated Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel near the Inner Harbor was selected as the hotel venue for this historic event on January 29th, 2010.

"Although there was not time set aside in the President's schedule for photo opportunities at the property, he spontaneously posed with our kitchen staff," explained Chris Orr, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel. "Our associates commented later that shaking the President's hand and posing for a photo with the leader of our nation was the thrill of their lifetime and a memory they will always treasure. Besides being an inspiring moment for our kitchen staff, it was the first day on the job for our new General Manager, Robert Allen. Not everyone can say they had a Presidential Welcome on their first day!"

Preparing for a Presidential visit, especially one that includes a live television feed, is always a challenge given security needs, but the hotel professionals at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel were up to the challenge. The President's speech was followed by a lively discussion of issues followed. Each side had its own list of complaints. One thing that neither side complained about was the food, the service or the waterfront hotel setting. All part of the plan from the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel.

The Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel is delighted to showcase a new distinctive design featuring modern urban sophistication. The Baltimore Inner Harbor hotel's recently renovated 586 hotel guestrooms and 34 hotel suites have been revived with unprecedented comfort and include new amenities including flat panel televisions, iPod docking stations and improved high-speed Internet connectivity. Discover a four-diamond jewel among downtown Baltimore, Maryland hotels, situated just steps from the area's most unique sights and attractions featuring the outstanding service savvy travelers have come to expect from the Renaissance brand name. Enjoy premier access to the world-famous Inner Harbor, home to the Baltimore Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and 120 Baltimore dining and shopping options. This Inner Harbor hotel's WATERTABLE restaurant/lounge and Ground Floor Cafe have become local favorites. Experience the rich culture of Charm City in a vibrant location sure to delight you at this waterfront hotel in Baltimore. Located at 202 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 USA, call 1-410-547-1200 or toll free 1-800-535-1201; to book your reservation, please visit www.renaissanceharborplace.com.

RENAISSANCE HOTELS is an upscale brand with more than 140 properties in 28 countries. Renaissance Hotels has recently welcomed several new "gems" to its global collection – the ultra-modern Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel, the chic Renaissance New York Hotel 57 in Manhattan and the beautifully restored historic Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach. To make reservations and for more information about Renaissance Hotels, visit www.renaissancehotels.com. Follow Renaissance on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RenHotels.