(Mayflower Renaissance via DC City Blog) – The Mayflower® Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel, the iconic DC landmark and site of presidential inaugural balls since Calvin Coolidge in 1925, invites Washingtonians to make history by celebrating its 85th birthday and “Washington’s Second Best Address.”

On Thursday, February 18, 2010, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Washingtonians are invited to gather inside the historic hotel and raise a glass of the hotel’s commissioned, limited-edition signature 85th Anniversary American sparkling wine. The birthday toast, led by General Manager Satinder Palta, kicks off the Renaissance Mayflower’s 85th anniversary year full of exciting events and special packages. The hotel will also debut the exhibit, “Treasures Returned” and invites guests to meet with the hotel’s official historian and enjoy tasty treats from Sugar Bakers, while supplies last. Morning festivities will take place in the Café Promenade and the exhibit will be displayed on the hotel’s mezzanine level.

In anticipation of its 85th anniversary, the Renaissance Mayflower issued an “amnesty” request for guests to return items that had been taken from or given away by the hotel throughout the years. The hotel asked only for the item to be returned along with its story. The treasures and memories that were returned are astounding: banquet chairs, the cufflinks of a former General Manager, even a bathtub! The hotel historian, Keith McClinsey and author of “Washington, D.C.’s Mayflower Hotel,” will be on hand to share the secrets of the amnesty display, “Treasures Returned.”

During the kick-off festivities, patrons will get a sneak peak of the grand 85th birthday cake made by Sugar Bakers. Flutes of the limited-edition signature 85th Anniversary sparkling wine will be available for purchase in Town & Country Bar and Café Promenade throughout the year. The signature sparkling wine was especially commissioned by The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel and crafted at the family-owned Iron Horse Vineyards in Sonoma, CA.

In addition to the opening morning festivities, the hotel will be hosting a private reception in the evening. The hotel will mark the 85th anniversary all year long with additional events including a Diamond Dinner, Champagne & Orchids Ball, and Mother & Daughter Dress-Up Afternoon Teas.

The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel is located at 1127 Connecticut Avenue, NW, in Washington DC. For more information, please call 202-347-3000 or visit Renaissancehotels.com

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