CITY BEAT
ALBANY, N.Y.
New Center a Go
Last month the Albany Convention Center Authority voted unanimously to construct a $200 million convention facility on a 30-acre site downtown. The 225,000-square-foot Albany Convention Center, first proposed in 2004, should break ground in spring 2008. It will be supported by a 400-room hotel; a brand has yet to be named.
CA, Napa
The Meritage Resort
and Vino Bello Resort, two adjacent luxury hotels,
officially opened this past July on eight acres of a private
vineyard. Together, the resorts feature 274 guest rooms and villa
suites, a grand ballroom and more than 10,500 square feet of
meeting space. A wine cave and an underground spa will open early
next year.
CA, San Diego
The $75 million Ivy
Hotel will open this fall. Next to the city’s Gaslamp
Quarter, the luxury resort will feature 159 rooms, including 14
deluxe suites. Additional features include a 225-seat restaurant, a
rooftop pool and sundeck, a four-level nightclub, a 24-hour fitness
center, and 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting and function
space.
GA, Atlanta
The Renaissance Waverly
Hotel, attached to the Cobb Galleria Centre, is undergoing
a $7.5 million renovation set for completion in the next few
months. The Waverly already has finished revamping its function
rooms. In all, the hotel has more than 60,000 square feet of
meeting space.
IN, Indianapolis
The former Hampton Inn near
Indianapolis International Airport was converted into the
Ramada Airport Indianapolis this July and is
finishing a $250,000 renovation. All 131 guest rooms will be
upgraded with new mattresses and bedding, and a convenience mart
will be added. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service,
high-speed Internet access and a business center.
MD, Annapolis
The Radisson Annapolis is undergoing a
$6 million renovation and will reopen next month as the
Doubletree Hotel Annapolis. The revamped property
will feature a new seafood restaurant, a renovated lobby, newly
furnished rooms and an upgrade to its 12,000 square feet of meeting
space.
NY, Jamaica
The Doubletree Hotel JFK
Airport, formerly a Radisson, opened in July following a
$10 million revamp. All 386 rooms and suites were given high-speed
wireless Internet, flat-screen TVs, new furniture and upgraded
bathrooms. The hotel also added a 24-hour business center and
renovated all 5,000 square feet of meeting and public space.
OH, Cleveland
A $4 million revamp has been completed
at the Embassy Suites Cleveland-Beachwood. Work
included a makeover of all 216 suites and public areas. A new
private boardroom and a business center were added to the lobby,
giving the property nearly 5,000 square feet of meeting space.
TN, Memphis
The Peabody Memphis
has completed a multimillion-dollar restoration. All 464 guest
rooms and suites received upgrades. Also new: a steak house, an
athletic club and a business center. The hotel has more than 80,000
square feet of function space.
TX, Dallas
The 538-room Marriott
Dallas/Addison Quorum by the Galleria completed a
renovation last month. Guest rooms received new beds, furnishings
and bathroom floors. The hotel also features a restaurant, a
fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and more than 18,000
square feet of meeting space.