Colwen Hotels and XSS Hotels complete transformation of historic “Castle Hotel”

Framingham, MA Colwen Hotels and XSS Hotels, have completed a multi-year transformation of the city’s historic “Castle Hotel” and the official launch of The Framingham Hotel Collection.

Originally opened in 1975 as the Sheraton Tara Hotel, the castle-inspired building has long been a landmark along the Mass. Pike and an iconic symbol of Greater Boston’s hotel landscape. Now that legacy enters a new era: what was once a single full-service hotel has evolved into a connected three-hotel integrated campus, known as The Framingham Collection, comprising the Renaissance Framingham Hotel & Conference Center, Fairfield Inn & Suites Framingham, and TownePlace Suites Framingham, totaling 371 guestrooms and suites, with offerings across full-service, comfort-forward, and extended-stay options.

“We are proud to expand our collaboration with Marriott and elevate this landmark as Renaissance Framingham Hotel & Conference Center and The Framingham Hotel Collection,” said Stephanie Paschal, regional director of sales, Colwen Hotels. “Housing three distinct brands in one destination allows us to serve guests and groups with incredible flexibility while honoring the castle’s legacy in MetroWest and the greater Boston area.”

The reimagined destination also includes three reinvented culinary concepts:

• Malone’s Irish Pub & Social - A modern rebirth of the beloved Molly Malone’s Irish Pub (est. 1991) offering elevated pub fare, locally crafted brews, Irish coffees, and live entertainment.

• Provisions Hearth & Kitchen - A New England-inspired breakfast restaurant built on honest food and thoughtful hospitality.

• Tara Cafe - A convenient lobby cafe serving espresso beverages, refreshers, teas, and grab-and-go items. Proudly serving Starbucks.

Renaissance Framingham Hotel & Conference Center: A Landmark Reimagined

At the center of the transformation is the Renaissance Framingham Hotel & Conference Center, which anchors the collection as the full-service flagship property. The Renaissance Framingham introduces an elevated full-service experience through design-forward guestrooms, inspired public spaces, and a reimagined weddings and events destination, one of the region’s most captivating meetings and events environments.

Guestrooms and suites feature contemporary furniture, refreshed baths, and design elements that echo the castle’s European-inspired architecture. Public spaces blend co-working-friendly zones, lobby lounges, and gathering areas that support both business and leisure travelers.

“The Renaissance brand is about uncovering the unexpected in every stay, and few canvases are more distinctive than this historic castle,” said David Laurent, General Manager of The Framingham Hotel Collection. “With fully renovated accommodations, modernized public spaces, and new culinary concepts, we are excited to welcome travelers and the community back to a refreshed Framingham legend.”

Renaissance Framingham Weddings & Events is the crown jewel of the property, offering more than 25,000 s/f of flexible meeting, wedding, and conference spaces. The fully reimagined venue supports modern events ranging from intimate board meetings to 1,000-person galas, with refreshed ballrooms, pre-function areas, and breakout rooms equipped with upgraded technology and luxury finishes. Throughout, sophisticated décor and a contemporary palette create a modern “castle moment” for a new generation, reflecting the broader renovation philosophy—respecting the past while embracing an elevated guest experience.

The three hotels participate in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

Hotels that make up the new reimagined destination include:

Renaissance Framingham Hotel & Conference Center 1657 Worcester Rd., Framingham, MA | 508-879-7200 | Website: A refined full-service hotel blending historic character with modern elegance. The Renaissance offers elevated accommodations, expansive event space, and a sophisticated guest experience ideal for meetings, weddings, and elevated leisure stays.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Framingham 1659 Worcester Rd., Framingham, MA | 508-270-8510 | Website: A contemporary, comfort-forward hotel offering spacious rooms, complimentary amenities, and an approachable stay designed for short-term business and leisure travelers.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Framingham 1659 Worcester Rd., Framingham, MA | 508-270-8500 | Website: An extended-stay hotel featuring suite-style accommodations with fully equipped kitchens and residential comforts, ideal for longer visits, relocations, and project-based travel.