February 17, 2009

MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Marcus Hotels and Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE:MCS), today announced the start of two previously announced renovation projects. Major renovations at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center in Milwaukee, Wis. and the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis. will begin immediately, with a substantial portion of the renovations completed by early summer. When the renovations are completed in full, the total cost for both projects is expected to be approximately $30 million.

"Maintaining our assets has always been a top priority for Marcus Hotels and Resorts," said Bill Otto, president of Marcus Hotels and Resorts. "Despite lower occupancy due to the downturn in the travel industry, we are continuing to invest in enhancing and remodeling our existing properties so they will remain well-positioned for the future. By beginning these renovations immediately, we will be able to provide a significantly enhanced experience for our guests in time for our upcoming peak summer season," said Otto.

Renovations at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center will begin with guestroom and lobby remodeling. Renovations to the hotel's 730 guestrooms include High Definition LCD televisions, new bedding, carpeting, furniture and artwork. Other renovations will include new tile flooring and furnishings for the hotel's elegant Fifth Street lobby level entrance.

Otto noted that the next phase of the project, expected to begin later in the year, will include upgrades to other areas of the hotel such as the meeting rooms, lobby areas, restaurants, gift shop and exterior elements of the historic property.

"At the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, renovations on the exterior pool and WELL Spa are under way. In addition, all 355 guestrooms will receive new carpeting, drapery, bedding and furniture. Bathrooms, including 33 suite bathrooms, will be remodeled with new fixtures, vanities, marble flooring, lighting, wet bar renovations and chic mirrors with built-in TVs that disappear when turned off," said Otto.

"Other renovations planned at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa will include new artwork, lighting and additional furniture upgrades in all of the guestrooms, along with reconfigured bathrooms in the hotel's 20 luxurious Newport Suites and Newport Executive Suites. We believe our guests will be very pleased with the new look and amenities in both of these exceptional properties," added Otto.

About Marcus Hotels and Resorts

Marcus Hotels and Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE:MCS), owns or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in ten states, with three additional properties under development. A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels and Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historical renovations. The company's portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels. For more information visit: www.marcushotels.com.