Site Scene

Alabama

• Following a five-month renovation, 100 upgraded guest rooms recently opened at the Hotel at Auburn University in Auburn. The hotel began phase one of the renovations last December and focused on renovating the guest rooms on the south wing of the hotel. During phase two, the north wing of the hotel will undergo construction on the remaining guest rooms, and 22 standard rooms will be converted into 11 new luxury suites. These suites will feature wet bars and flat-screen televisions. The renovations are scheduled for completion by this fall. For more information, call 334.821.8200 or visit www.auhcc.com.

Puerto Rico’s Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino is undergoing a multimillion-dollar redesign including an upgrade to all 570 guest rooms, meeting and public spaces, and a new lobby. The 20,000-square-foot lobby, renovated by renowned New York architect and designer David Rockwell, offers flexible space for groups. The hotel’s Royal Ballroom also offers 8,090 square feet of space, and the hotel features 18 conference rooms for a total 41,000 square feet of meeting space. For more information, call 787.721.1000 or visit www.condadoplaza.com.

• Anderson Ocean Club at Myrtle Beach recently debuted the Awakening Spa, offering packages that can be tailored to meet individual needs and budgets with services ranging from facials and spa manicures and pedicures to deep tissue massage, mineral baths and crystal therapy. For more information, call 843.213.5370 or visit www.oceanaresorts.com.

• Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide opened The Joule, A Luxury Collection Hotel in downtown Dallas, including a 10-story tower, topped by a rooftop pool and bar area. Guest rooms include duplex suites and a penthouse. Other hotel amenities include in-room spa services, fitness center and more than 2,300 square feet of meeting space. The hotel also features star chef Charlie Palmer’s new signature restaurant, Charlie Palmer at The Joule. For more information, call 214.261.4491 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
  
  
  
• The Renaissance Dallas Hotel is nearing completion of the first phase of a multimillion-dollar renovation, including upgrades to its 531 guest rooms and suites. Each room features a 37-inch flat-panel television and high-speed Internet access. The exclusive Renaissance Club Level and lounge, located on the hotel’s renovated 27th floor, will open later this year and will accommodate evening cocktails. Phase two will feature a redesign of the hotel’s lobby and the unveiling of a new open-kitchen restaurant. The hotel is also adding a rooftop garden and over 20,000 square feet of new meeting space for a total of 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Additions will include a 16,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom. With the meeting space renovation phase scheduled for 2010 completion, the hotel’s current 17 meeting rooms and 19,000 square feet of flexible function space will remain open throughout the construction. For more information, call 214.631.2222 or visit www.renaissancehotels.com.

• The 70-room Country Inn & Suite by Carlson, Petersburg, VA recently opened. The hotel features an indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness room. Other amenities include an 80-person capacity meeting room. The hotel offers a variety of guest rooms including standard rooms, studio suites, one-bedroom suites and a Jacuzzi room. All rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi and a 32-inch flat-screen television. For more information, call 804.861.4355 or visit www.countryinns.com.