Melanie Koscelnak

==Background==
* Works Downtown
==Insights==
Renaissance Pittsburgh Names Koscelnak DOSM
PITTSBURGH, P, February 5, 2008. You know it's a good day when you get to rub elbows with mega stars Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, Dennis Miller and Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne.
It's all in a day's work for Melanie Koscelnak, the new Director of Sales and Marketing at the prestigious Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel. As the city's only AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel located central to the Pittsburgh's cultural and sports destinations, the Renaissance Pittsburgh attracts a plethora of famous faces with its amenity-laden service.
Koscelnak, 36, has worked in various sales positions for the downtown luxury hotel since it was in its concept stage, even prior to opening in the restored landmark Fulton Building in 2001. "I remember meeting Tom Hanks and Ron Howard. They were standing in the lobby, amazed by the beauty," Koscelnak says of the celebrities, for whom she had arranged accommodations.
Koscelnak's relationship with the hotel has grown over the years as she has progressed from Sales Manager to Director of Group Sales to Director of Sales and Marketing. "I feel like this is my hotel. I've watched it grow over seven years, and I'm excited to see what the next seven years will bring," she says.
Her goal is to make Renaissance Pittsburgh the top choice for small meetings - of 100 people or less - by offering VIP, boutique-like treatment for clients who want intimate, exclusive functions. "We offer personalized service from beginning to end. It doesn't matter how large or small the group is," she says. The hotel features 10,000 square feet of event space. Two plush ballrooms have panoramic views of the Allegheny River and PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Sophisticated meeting rooms are named for Pittsburgh's cultural icons, like artist Mary Cassatt, actor Jimmy Stewart and playwright August Wilson.
The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel features 300 deluxe guest rooms, including 14 spacious suites on the private 14th floor. A renovation planned for 2008 will bring additional amenities, including flat-panel televisions for every room - perfect for a self-professed TV junkie like Koscelnak.
Koscelnak, a native Pittsburgher, graduated from Robert Morris University nearby and began her hospitality career at the Pittsburgh Green Tree Marriott. She resides in Collier Township with her husband, Steve. Once an avid softball player, Koscelnak now enjoys spending time with her niece and nephew, Kacey and Liam, and walking her dog, Lola.
Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel was named Pittsburgh's top luxury hotel for 2008 by TripAdvisor.com. Located in the restored 1906 Fulton Building at 107 Sixth St., this opulent grand dame is central to The Cultural District and five theaters, galleries, museums and nightlife. Opus, its signature restaurant, serves American cuisine. The Bridge bar and Prelude wine bar offer lighter fare and libations. For more information or to make a reservation, call 412.562.1200 or visit http://www.renaissancepittsburgh.com.
Koscelnak