Arkansas
Florida
Kentucky
- The Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Fort Smith, a $25 million hotel developed by John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, opened in January. Situated one block away from the Fort Smith Convention Center, the new hotel features 138 guest rooms, a 2,500-square-foot conference center, and an outdoor courtyard that is available for private events. The hotel’s amenities include high-speed Internet access, a business center, an indoor swimming pool, a whirlpool, an exercise facility, complimentary access to the nearby Mercy Fitness Center, and dining in the Courtyard Cafe. For more information, call 479.783.2100 or visit www.courtyardfortsmith.com.
Florida
- The Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort, unveiled its Legends Ballroom earlier this year. The new $25 million facility features a 24,000-square-foot ballroom accompanied by 27,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor prefunction space, and raises the resort’s selection of meeting space to more than 110,000 square feet split among more than 40 rooms. Further renovation and expansion projects are taking place throughout 2007, including a $2 million renewal of the treatment rooms at its Spa at Doral and a $3 million renovation of its guest rooms and remaining meeting space. Situated on 650 acres in Miami, the Doral Golf Resort & Spa features 693 luxury guest accommodations, a European spa with 52 treatment rooms, five highly-ranked championship golf courses, the Jim McLean Golf Center, the Arthur Ashe Tennis Center, an extensive fitness center, and five restaurants, including Windows on the Green, The Atrium, Terrazza Restaurant and Cafe, Champions Bar & Grill, and Bungalou’s Bar & Grill. For more information, call 305.592.2000 or visit www.doralresort.com.
- The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport hotel opened in January. Formerly operating as the Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Hotel, the hotel received a property-wide renovation costing several million dollars prior to raising the Hilton flag. The hotel features 388 guest rooms and 18,500 square feet of meeting space, including a 6,600-square-foot ballroom and 16 meeting rooms. Other hotel highlights include wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, a business center, an outdoor swimming pool with a whirlpool, tennis courts, a fitness center, dining in Ocean Blu restaurant, drinks and light meals in the Liquid Lounge, and complimentary airport shuttle service. For more information, call 954.920.3300 or visit www.hilton.com.
- The all-suite Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort opened earlier this year. The 25-story oceanfront hotel is located in Fort Lauderdale’s posh North Beach area and features 373 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, each outfitted with a private ocean view balcony, a high-definition flat-screen television, the Hilton Serenity Collection of in-room amenities, and bathrooms with a separate shower and European soaking tub with whirlpool jets. The hotel’s meeting facilities cover 10,000 square feet and include the 3,200-square-foot Del Sol ballroom. Other hotel highlights include the 25,000-square-foot Sunrise Terrace, which features a zero-entry pool and private sunning cabanas, the full-service Spa Q, a fitness center with ocean views, a beach concierge, and three dining options, including ilios, an upscale signature restaurant serving contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. For more information, call 954.414.2222 or visit www.hilton.com.
Kentucky
- The Sheraton Cincinnati Airport hotel opened recently in northern Kentucky. Formerly operating as the Radisson Cincinnati Airport hotel, the property received an extensive renovation prior to raising the Sheraton flag. The only hotel located at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, the Sheraton Cincinnati Airport hotel features 177 guest rooms that include the signature Sheraton Suite Sleeper bed and bedding package, a 32-inch LCD flat-screen television, a work desk with ergonomic chair, and high-speed Internet access. The hotel also offers 7,000 square feet of meeting space, wireless high-speed Internet access in all public areas, a 24-hour business center, a complimentary fitness center, complimentary airport shuttle service, and dining in Bistro Danielle. For more information, call 859.371.6166 or visit www.sheraton.com.