The Massachusetts Legislature has authorized the construction of up to seven hotels near the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, according to the Boston Globe. This represents the first phase of a $2 billion expansion plan proposed by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. Combined, the hotels could have up to 2,700 rooms, including a 1,200-room headquarters property. The newspaper also reported that the MCCA has purchased 5.5 acres adjacent to the BCEC for some of the construction.