Florida
- The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island in November completed construction on a $22 million ballroom expansion. The new facility offers 11,000 square feet of additional meeting space, making it one of the largest conference hotels in the region. The expansion increases the total available conference space to 35,000 square feet, including two sizeable function areas and a variety of smaller meeting rooms. For more information, call 904.277.1100 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.
- The 164-room Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers Airport/FGCU opened in November. Hotel amenities include a glass-enclosed pavilion lobby featuring a lounge area with a television and fireplace. The hotel also features a flexible ballroom that accommodates up to 200 guests reception style and can be divided into two smaller meeting rooms. For more information, call 239.210.7200 or visit http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Port St. Lucie–Tradition debuted in November. The five-story, 111-suite hotel offers guest rooms that include studio, one- and two-bedroom suites, while additional amenities include complimentary high-speed Internet access, an executive business center, a swimming pool, putting green, barbecue area and 1,200 square feet of flexible meeting space. For more information, call 772.345.5300 or visit http://homewoodsuites1.hilton.com.
- The five-story Homewood Suites by Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Airport-Cruise Port recently debuted with 120 studio, one- and two-bedroom suites. Amenities include complimentary high-speed Internet, an executive business center, a heated outdoor pool, putting green, barbeque area, fitness center, 32-inch flat-screen televisions and 800 square feet of flexible meeting space. For more information, call 954.967.9063 or visit http://homewoodsuites1.hilton.com.
- Florida State University’s FSU Conference Center recently debuted in Tallahassee. The 47,000-square-foot facility features three video walls, LCD screens, webcasting, wireless Internet, e-media services, professional event management and flexible catering options. Meeting spaces include a 400-seat auditorium, 320-seat dining room, executive boardroom and eight additional breakout rooms that can host up to 100 guests. For more information, call 850.644.3801 or visit http://www.learningforlife.fsu.edu.
North Carolina
- The Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh Durham Airport opened in November. The newly constructed hotel offers 105 guest rooms with complimentary high-speed Internet access. Each guest room is equipped with a 32-inch plasma television and complimentary high-speed Internet access. The property also provides 4,000 square feet of meeting and conference space. Additional facilities include an indoor pool, fitness center and business center. For moreinformation, call 919.380.1221 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
- The 100-room new-build boutique Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown recently made its debut. Each guest room includes a 32-inch high-definition flat-screen television with 150 channels and iHome/MP3 alarm clock radio. The hotel also offers complimentary wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, a 24-hour business center and meeting space. For more information, call 828.239.0239 or visit www.ichotelsgroup.com.
Tennessee
- The Houston Embassy Suites-Energy Corridor opened in November as a 216-room all-suite hotel. The property features 12 signature Embassy Premier suites, club-level floors, 7,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a full-service restaurant and lounge, an indoor pool with an outdoor tanning terrace and a fitness center. Guest services include a complimentary nightly manager’s reception. For more information, call 281.531.7300 or visit www.aimbridgehospitality.com.