Maryland
- The 225-room Westin Annapolis recently completed a $2.1 million renovation to convert existing employee offices into 2,000 square feet of new meeting space. The Congress Board Room received a large-screen, high-resolution LCD monitor capable of displaying images from multiple-source inputs, which allows for advanced video presentations. Additionally, the room was outfitted with a 12-station computer/video with audio interface incorporated into the conference room table. The adjacent Constitution Board Room is equipped with the same large-screen LCD display and offers video teleconferencing technologies. A third, dividable room can be combined with one or both of the others through the distributed audio system for entertainment purposes. For more information, call 410.972.4300 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
Massachusetts
- The Crowne Plaza Boston-Newton opened in May following extensive renovations and a conversion from a Sheraton hotel. Amenities at the property include an indoor heated pool, fitness center and business center. The hotel offers a comprehensive meetings program, including a two-hour response guarantee, Crowne meetings director and a daily meetings debrief. The hotel has five meeting rooms with 7,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a 4,000- square-foot ballroom with a view of the Boston skyline. For more information, call 617.969.3010 or visit www.crowneplaza.com.
New York
- Four Points by Sheraton Midtown-Times Square recently debuted in the heart of New York City’s Broadway theater district. The newly constructed, 244-room hotel offers complimentary high-speed Internet access as well as 32-inch, flat-screen televisions in all guest rooms. Other amenities include a 24-hour business center and 24-hour fitness center. For more information, call 212.967.8585 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
- Candlewood Suites Buffalo-Amherst opened in June. The hotel features 76 studios and one-bedroom suites with free high-speed Internet access and HDTV. The hotel amenities include a movie and music lending library, 24-hour fitness center and Outdoor Gazebo Grill. For more information, call 716.688.2100 or visit www.ichotelsgroup.com.
- The Sagamore Resort on Lake George recently debuted its new 14,000-square-foot exhibit center, now located adjacent to The Conference Center at the resort. With 30-foot ceilings and enough floor space to accommodate 100 10x10 trade show booths, the EventCenter is now the second- largest hotel exhibit hall in the Saratoga/Lake George region. Inside the hotel, the Sagamore Dining Room has been completely transformed and will now serve as the hotel’s signature restaurant. The resort also added 37 guest rooms, with views of the lake as well as a 10,000-square-foot outdoor pool area. For more information, call 518.644.9400 or visit www.thesagamore.com.
Ontario
- The Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, formerly a Renaissance hotel, opened in July. The 249-room hotel received an upgrade, including a renovated lobby, complimentary Wi-Fi and guest rooms now offer 37-inch LCD flat-panel televisions. The Sheraton Club Level accommodations and an exclusive Club Lounge are signature offerings to the property, providing deluxe accommodations for business guests, as well as additional services and amenities. The hotel offers a fitness program as well as a glass-domed skylit indoor pool and whirlpool. Meeting facilities include 17 meeting rooms across 26,000 square feet. The largest room, the Ambrosia Ballroom, offers 7,140 square feet for trade shows, meetings or catered events. The hotel also offers a variety of flexible meeting and conference packages and smart technology. For more information, call 416.675.6100 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
Pennsylvania
- Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem recently debuted at the site of the historic Bethlehem Steel. The property features 3,000 slot machines and a new signature restaurant from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. It is also home to the Molten lounge, which features live entertainment seven days a week. Sands Bethlehem will open an additional 2,000 slot machines in late November. The development also consists of plans for a 300-room hotel, 200,000 square feet of shopping space and nearly 50,000 square feet of flexible multipurpose space, which will allow the property to accommodate meetings, conventions and a variety of special events. For more information, call 877.726.3777 or visit www.pasands.com.