Hotel a splash hit in design competition.

Westminster Hotel in Livingston, New Jersey, has been awarded firstplace honors in Lodging Hospitality magazine's 11th Annual Design Competition. Winning in the Upscale Hotel category, the hotel is the flagship venture of Westminster Hospitality Group. Westminster Hotel opened in January 2003 and has quickly distinguished itself as a premier, luxury hotel.

J/Brice Design International, Inc. of Boston oversaw the $25-million rehabilitation that transformed the two- and three-story buildings into a sophisticated and distinctive product that brings much-needed hospitality services to the region's thriving corporate base and dense residential population.

"The level of service at Westminster Hotel equals that of a four-star hotel in a contemporary interior created by the highly talented designers at J/ Brice," said Richard Verruni, the hotel's managing director. "Westminster Hotel's classic contemporary architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds provide an upscale look that has set the benchmark for the neighborhood. The interior, however, counters the formal exterior with a luxurious and progressive residential feel."

J/Brice Design created the lobby lounge using rich materials in a wide spectrum of textures in contemporary colors. The firm even retained a curator with major museum credentials to select original works of art--many are black and white photography that reflect the region's bucolic heritage. The lounge incorporates low coffee tables and subdued lighting in numerous seating areas to accommodate groups of various sizes. An eclectic collection of books and magazines, including selections for children, are distributed throughout the lounge area to reinforce the residential feeling. A plasma screen television provides live feed from 24-hour news media.

"It has a great sophistication and appeal that is carried throughout the building," said Jeff Ornstein, J/Brice Design chief executive officer and founder."

"The Westminster concept is a complete package--superb design matched by impeccable operational standards."

Westminster Hotel is the first new hotel product introduced into the local market in 15 years. It offers luxurious banquet space and meeting accommodations.

The hotel's event business continues to evolve as one of its most successful service areas, which testifies to the need it fulfills in the region.

Westminster Hotel's attractively appointed guestrooms offer the latest conveniences for business travelers, while the exclusive J/Brice-designed Westminster Club, housed in a separate building, provides an even higher level of design, finishes and fixtures. All hotel guests may enjoy an indoor pool, spa facility and state-of-the-art fitness room.