Hotel Beat 6-1-2006

by Bryan Darrow
June 1, 2006

CITY BEAT
Anchorage, Alaska
Expansion Under Way

After years of planning, Anchorage broke ground last April on a $103 million expansion of the A. Egan Civic & Convention Center. The 215,000-square-foot space will be connected to both the existing center and the Alaska Performing Arts Center. It will include a 26,000-square-foot ballroom and 11,300 square feet of meeting space. Completion is slated for spring 2009.

Tulsa, Okla.
Doubling in Size

The Tulsa Convention Center is undergoing a renovation and is being supplemented by a new 18,000-seat arena, the Events Center, which will be connected to the convention facility by covered walkway. When completed in 2008, the new center, to be renamed the BOK Center for its patron, the Bank of Oklahoma, will include a 34,800-square-foot ballroom and 21,000 square feet of meeting space. In addition, the 62-room Best Western Tulsa and the 104-Hilton Garden Inn Tulsa South opened in 2005.

AZ, Scottsdale

The 126-room Hampton Inn Scottsdale was sold to a developer this May who plans to convert the hotel into InterContinental Hotel Group’s Hotel Indigo flag.

FL, Tampa

Lowe Enterprises has acquired the 322-room Wyndham Westshore Hotel. The property features a rooftop pool and terrace, a restaurant, a lobby lounge and 12,500 square feet of meeting space. Extensive renovations are expected to be completed by September 2007.

MA, Boston

The $204 million Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel opens this month with 793 guest rooms and 32,000 square feet of meeting space. The property is attached to the new Boston Convention & Exhibition Center on Summer Street.

Atlanta Marriott Marquis

FRESH INTERIORS.  The Atlanta Marriott Marquis has unveiled a $38 million renovation that gave all 1,675 guest rooms new bedding, wood furnishings, workspace areas, bathroom fixtures and high-speed Internet. The property also offers 120,000 square feet of meeting space, a connecting indoor/outdoor pool, a fitness center and five restaurants. (404) 521-0000; www.marriott.com

 

MD, Baltimore

InterContinental Hotels Group opened the 123-room Holiday Inn Express at Camden Yards in April. The property has nearly 1,200 square feet of meeting space.

NY, Albany

A new 133-room Homewood Suites by Hilton opened in April. The five-story hotel features residential-style studios and one- and two-bedroom suites, all with fully equipped kitchens.

OH, Columbus

Marcus Hotels and Resorts has purchased the 186-room Westin Columbus. Renovations will be made to all guest rooms as well as dining areas. The property features more than 11,000 square feet of meeting space.

PA, Philadelphia

The 757-room Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel is undergoing renovations to its lobby and ballroom, while also replacing the furniture and bedding in all guest rooms. The property has 55,000 square feet of meeting space.

TX, Dallas

The W Dallas Victory Hotel & Residences, opening this month, comprises two towers, 251 guest rooms, 144 condominium units, a two-story living room lobby, a signature restaurant and a spa. The downtown property offers 11,000 square feet of meeting space.

TX, Lost Pines

Set amidst 405 wooded acres 20 miles outside Austin, the 492-room Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, is set to open this month with almost 300,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor meeting space. The resort also offers 18 holes of golf, river rafting and a full-service spa facility, among other amenities.

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