PRESS RELEASE
Hotel Retlaw Renovation Project
HOTEL RETLAW RENOVATION PROJECT IN WISCONSIN
Miami, Florida – October 7, 2016 – Yvonne Roberts, a luxury designer and hospitality guru, announced her role as Conceptual Designer and Creative Director in the renovation and restoration of the historic Hotel Retlaw in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Hotel Retlaw built in 1923 is now “poised to retake its rightful place as one of Wisconsin’s elite hotels and a preferred destination for dignitaries and celebrities,” stated Ms. Roberts. Under new ownership and through the collaboration of Ms. Roberts with the Wisconsin-based architecture firm Kahler Slater, the hotel’s extensive renovations will begin in the fall of 2016 with the goal of a grand reopening in 2017. And grand it will be. Initial renderings can be found at www.guruofluxury.com
A native, of Miami Yvonne brings an abundance of restoration innovation to the Hotel Retlaw project. She was instrumental in the success of Miami’s iconic Biltmore, as the property’s Interior Designer and Creative Director from 1994 thru 2012. The hotel’s swanky golf suites, majestic ballrooms, poolside cabanas and elegant lobbies are a sampling of her influence during her tenure. “Yvonne understands the inner workings of hotels,” states Dennis Doucette, Biltmore’s General Manager during her time there. “She creatively value-engineers to accommodate a fixed budget, while raising the integrity of the design itself.”
Yvonne Roberts also created and directed the Biltmore’s Cellar Club, growing the membership to over 2,000 and garnering numerous national accolades, including the prestigious James Beard Award for the hotel’s Wine Program and Zagat recognition as South Florida’s top-ranked Wine List.
Edmundo Perez, Director of Engineering at Acqualina Resort & Spa. Stated, that, Ms. Roberts has an extraordinary understanding of hospitality functionality and stylizing coupled with luxury customizations, timeless sophistication, comfort, and romantic elegance.”
Ms. Roberts will ensure that the historical significance and aesthetics of Hotel Retlaw are preserved while the space is infused with contemporary luxury. Hallmarks of the new design include carved moldings, fine woodwork, graceful lines, finely crafted furniture, sumptuous sofas, and elegant curtains.
PRESS + MEDIA ACCOLADES
“Hotel Retlaw is re-taking its rightful place as one of Wisconsin's elite hotels and preferred destination for dignitaries, and celebrities. The Retlaw has undergone an unprecedented renovation preserving the historical significance and aesthetics of this iconic property while infusing it with contemporary luxury.” - PREMIER HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL
“6 New Boutique Hotels in the Midwest to Check Out This Summer.” - SHERMANS TRAVEL
“Hotel Retlaw Will Reopen This Fall After $25 Million Renovation Hallmarks of the new design will include carved moldings, woodwork, and custom-crafted furniture and sofas. The design will also evoke the Roaring Twenties with Art Deco touches, including flowing lines reminiscent of waves and floral forms.” - LODGING MAGAZINE
“Hotel Retlaw, a “Grande Dame” in its own right, embodied an unmistakable style of timeless elegance combined with modern edginess. “We are looking forward to bringing this iconic treasure in central Wisconsin back to life while infusing it with contemporary luxury,” said Yvonne Roberts, principal of Guru of Luxury and creative director for Hotel Retlaw. - MIDWEST MEETINGS
“New Midwest Hotels to put on Your Bucket List.” - MIDWEST LIVING
“Hotel Retlaw came on the scene during an era of incredible social, artistic, and cultural excitement. We are looking forward to bringing this iconic treasure in central Wisconsin back to life while infusing it with contemporary luxury,” says Yvonne Roberts, principal of Guru of Luxury and creative director for Hotel Retlaw. - LODGING MAGAZINE
“Yvonne Roberts renovates historic Hotel Retlaw in Wisconsin
In the redesign, Roberts will emphasize the historical significance and neoclassical aesthetics of Hotel Retlaw, preserving historical details while adding contemporary touches.” - HOTEL MANAGEMENT
Business Sector, Community Call for Luxury Hotel in Downtown Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
“Companies such as Mercury Marine, Alliance Laundry and Agnesian HealthCare have their headquarters in the area–but the city didn’t have a luxury hotel to service the business and leisure sectors. Until now.” - NOVOGRADAC & COMPANY JOURNAL TAX CREDITS
Yvonne Roberts Unveils Interior Design for Hotel Retlaw. “A bold vision combining lavish beauty with historical integrity, Hotel Retlaw in Fond du lac, Wis., is designed to dazzle when its grand reopening takes place this fall.” - OPULENT CLUB MAGAZINE
GUESS REVIEWS | TRIP ADVISOR
"The Hotel Retlaw is an outstanding property! It's back to, or perhaps even better, than it's original grand state. Definitely one of the premier boutique hotels in the Midwest. The quest rooms are outstanding and the food and bar service are a destination on their own." - rparks5858
"The Hotel Retlaw is overflowing with amenities, class and elegance. I have stayed there for personal and business purposes. The rooms are wonderfully done and I enjoyed a great night's sleep after some long days. You will love the finishes and attention to detail at every turn. The staff accommodated our every need for our business meetings and closing out our days with dinner at Jazzmine's was an absolute delight. Live music, superb food, specialty cocktails and alluring ambiance all work together to create the ultimate staying experience. Be sure to make time to visit the spa and salon located on the property!" - Michael S
"I came here with friends and immediately felt like l was in a big city- the restaurant feels high class and the service matches that. I had the chocolate duck and it was so good I went back to the restaurant within the same week! Will definitely be back again. The live music and ambiance was great!" - Nitesh
"I travel a great deal for my work and I have been fortunate to stay in many very, very nice hotels. Pure happenstance brought me to the Hotel Retlaw in Fond du lac, WI and I was stunned by the ambiance, the rooms, the quality of the towels and bedding, but most importantly, the service. These people have been very well trained. I would compare the Retlaw with the Peabody, the Pfister or the George hotels. True classics." - Corey Simonson
"I just went with a few friends to the new Retlaw Hotel in Fond du Lac, WI recently. I must say, I enjoyed their cocktail selection and the bartender was exceptional at crafting drinks! I did not get a chance to try the food but the smell was enough to make me want to return for a nice dinner." - Andy
LIKE YOU STEP BACK IN TIME!! FANTASTIC
"This is a unique hotel and like others said...a wonderful surprise. I’ll add pictures of the Christmas tree. The lobby is like you step back in time to the Gatsby period. The rooms are thoughtful. Wireless charging pads, robes, a tv that appears from the credenza at foot of the bed. Bathrooms with legitimate luxury in amenities. I’ve stayed at 5-star Ritz and four seasons plus boutique properties around the world. This however is special. Very special." - Brandle S
"My family happened to stumble into this gem for brunch the morning after our big reunion. Walking in with around 18 people, we were still welcomed with a smile." - Jvalencia08
A NEW CLASSIC FOR OUT GET-AWAYS
"The ambience and decor of this travel gem, were well matched by the in-house dining and local charm. Loved our stay. A great Central hub if you want to explore locally or close-by breweries, sporting events, or cultural locals." - UnKulMunki
"Second visit, wonderfully redone hotel downtown Fond du Lac. Rooms great, TV sinks into foot of bed, nice bathrooms. Great restaurant. Also, bar and coffee shop. Soon to open Pub coming as well as Ale House opening across street, Spa and pool open soon. Great staff. music in evenings. Extremely pleasant at a great price. Covered parking with short covered walkway to Hotel." - Dexmorris