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Site Scene

Florida
  • A $76 million expansion of the Ocean Center Convention and Entertainment Complex in Volusia County is in the works. The 225,000-square-foot center is nearly doubling, for a total of 452,491 square feet. The expansion includes 100,000 square feet of new exhibit space and 30,000 square feet of new meeting space. It also includes an upgrade to the center’s existing meeting rooms. With the expansion, Internet work stations will also be added to the convention center’s concourse areas. Construction is slated to be complete in summer 2008. For more information, call 386.255.0415 or visit www.oceancenter.com.

Georgia
  • Twelve Hotel & Residences Centennial Park recently opened in downtown Atlanta, with 102 one- and two-bedroom hotel suites, each with views of the Atlanta skyline. The rooms also feature balconies and complimentary Wi-Fi access. The hotel features two meeting rooms, a prefunction area, hospitality lounge, and an executive boardroom. Adjacent to the hotel is a 39-story condo with 517 one- and two-bedroom residences. A second residential tower is planned for the site, as is 14,800 square feet of retail space and a 5,000-square-foot restaurant. For more information, call 404.418.1212 or visit www.twelvehotels.com.

  • The Ellis Hotel in October took the wraps off a $28 million restoration. The 127-room property, a 1913-built Atlanta landmark, offers upgraded guest rooms and suites with 32-inch LCD televisions, as well as high-speed Wi-Fi access, a fitness room and a 75-seat restaurant and lounge with a balcony overlooking downtown. For groups, the hotel also features two meeting rooms accommodating up to 25 guests. For more information, call 404.523.5155 or visit www.ellishotel.com.

Kentucky
  • The Brown Hotel in Louisville is adding 5,000 square feet of additional meeting space. The expansion, slated for completion in December, will bring the hotel’s total meeting space to 21,000 square feet. The largest conference room will be 2,600 square feet, and there will be complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. On the premises are a number of meeting rooms, boardrooms, suites, lounges, as well as the Crystal Ballroom. For more information, call 502.583.1234 or visit www.brownhotel.com.

  • The 108-room Hilton Garden Inn Lexington/Georgetown in Georgetown recently opened with four meeting rooms and 4,100 square feet of flexible meeting space, as well as a 24-hour, complimentary business center. Guest rooms are equipped with complimentary high-speed wired and wireless Internet access. The hotel also offers a fitness center. For more information, call 502.863.0099 or visit http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com.

Mexico
  • Grupo Posadas’ Aqua Cancun, formerly the Fiesta American Grand Aqua, is reopening this December after a lengthy closure, since Hurricane Wilma hit in 2005. The 371-room hotel will offer added amenities, such as jetted tubs and private balconies to its suites. Rooms also feature high-speed Internet access and personal massage systems. The rooms in the Grand Club include breakfasts, daily hors d’oeuvres, bar service, and a dedicated concierge. For more information, call 011.52.998.881.7600 or visit www.fiestaamericana.com.

  • Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort in Puerto Penasco recently broke ground on its 34,000-square-foot spa, set to open in early 2008. The Las Palomas Spa will offer 20 treatment rooms, six of which will have in-room Jacuzzis, as well as a sauna, steam room, wet room with Vichy shower, and a Janzu water massage room. For more information, call 011.52.638.108.1000 or visit www.laspalomasresort.net.

Mississippi
  • Hilton Garden Inn opened the 90-room Hilton Garden Inn Hattiesburg, in Hattiesburg. The four-story hotel features wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, two lounge areas with a television and fireplace, and a 24-hour complimentary business center. The hotel also offers a 1,643-square-foot meeting room. For more information, call 601.261.3770 or visit http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com.