Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel — Photo by Marriott

The Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel is scheduled to undergo renovations starting early next year. The building will get a new sign and a coat of slate-gray paint that will transform the exterior look. Inside, the hotel will be modernized to a cleaner, brighter look for the hotel, which was built in 2001.

The lounges, bar areas and lobby will have a more open and united look with screen art replacing some of the walls. Artwork images will also be projected on the walls, and guests will be able to dine and lounge on an outdoor space next to the water.

One of the notable design elements of the building is a rounded corner of the hotel that has a view of the Elizabeth River but doesn't currently serve a specific purpose. Sweeney said it will be turned into a bar area.

Even the reception desk is getting a new look.

Instead of the traditionally long reception desks, there will be several smaller check-in desks in a row. A map of Portsmouth will be on the wall behind the desks with large magnifying glass features that can be moved across the map.

Rooms will get new furniture, lighting and decor and the carpet will be replaced with hard-surface flooring and rugs. Bathtubs will be replaced with showers.

The hotel will remain open and only one floor may be closed at a time during renovations that are expected to take a year or less.

Hotel website