• by Tanya Gazdik , November 5, 2010

Marriott International's Renaissance Hotels is launching RLife Live, an arts program aimed at helping guests as well as locals discover "hidden gems" in culture and entertainment.

The program encompasses music, culinary arts and design through hotel-branded entertainment during on-property experiences. First up is music, with the hotel chain hosting an eclectic fleet of emerging artists at various Renaissance Hotels throughout 2010 and into 2011.

For guests who are foodies, Renaissance Hotels has launched several partnerships, including one with the Blue Ribbon Restaurant Group. "Culinary, art, film, design etc. are all experiences that we look to continue to expand and provide for our guests, which will now be under the RLife Live umbrella," according to a spokesperson. "These will begin to roll out in 2011."

Marketing for the program includes social media such as Facebook.

In addition to hearing the music, the RLife Live program gives hotel guests a chance to engage with musical talent on-site at the hotel properties. Renaissance has curated these experiences, with events ranging from intimate acoustic performances to listening parties, to pre- and post-concert events and meet and greets that go beyond just a quick photo or autograph signing.

The initial talent participating in the music series represent a cross-section of musical genres, including hip-hop, R&B, pop and alternative.

The program officially kicked on Oct. 28, when New York and Chicago properties hosted simultaneous performances. In New York, three-time Grammy-award winning R&B artist Robin Thicke took the stage at the new R Lounge at the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel while Sam Ronson and Solange Knowles spun tracks and DJed for the night. In Chicago, the Neon Trees, a new band known for their pop hooks and rock influences, performed their hit song "Animal" among others for hotel guests and locals.

In 2011, hotel guests who aren't staying at properties on the artists' tour stops can still get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the artists through the in-room RLife Live channel that will showcase exclusive footage of the participating musicians in all Renaissance Hotels in the U.S. The participating artists will also take to the blogosphere at (www.therenaissancelife.com) sharing their favorite personal restaurants, clubs and other recommendations in different cities across the country.