California
- The Anaheim Convention Center is expanding its outdoor and special event space by 100,000 square feet. The new multiuse venue area, called the Anaheim Convention Center Grand Plaza, offers open and multifunctional outdoor space that can be used year-round. Development of the plaza begins in spring 2012 and will conclude by the end of the year. This pedestrian plaza will feature landscaping, expansive walkways, water features and fountains, seating areas, special lighting and the infrastructure necessary to support special events. The Grand Plaza will accommodate outdoor exhibits, al fresco dining, receptions and meetings. For more information, call 714.765.8888 or visit www.anaheimconventioncenter.com.
- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide will undertake the first conversion of an existing hotel to its Aloft brand. Aloft San Francisco Airport, a former Clarion property, will undergo a significant renovation before opening as an Aloft in summer 2012. The 253-room hotel will include the brand’s signature re:mix lounge and w xyzbar. For more information, call 914.640.8100 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
- The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley is undergoing a $40 million expansion project that will add 165 guest rooms, an additional 12,500 square feet of meeting and event space, an outdoor terrace, a new ultra-lounge with six bowling lanes and sports entertainment, a new cafe and an expanded fitness studio. Upon the completion of the project in spring 2012, the resort will feature a total of 320 guest rooms and suites and more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and covered outdoor meeting space. The resort is also home to the Estate Wine Cave, which houses an underground spa, a tasting room and an entertainment room for up to 200. For more information, call 707.251.1900 or visit www.themeritageresort.com.
- Inland American Lodging Group acquired the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel and Spa for $72 million. The property is a 275-room upscale retreat located in the heart of Napa Valley on a 9.3-acre site. Amenities include a full-service spa, approximately 11,000 square feet of meeting space and an outdoor heated pool. The hotel completed a $7.3 million renovation in March. In conjunction with the recent renovation, the Napa Valley Marriott also completed the upgrade of 85 concierge rooms. For more information, call 707.253.8600 or visit www.marriott.com.
Hawaii
- The Pacific Beach Hotel, on Oahu’s Waikiki Beach, recently upgraded 300 guest rooms and completely renovated two of its luxury suites. Upgrades include flat-screen televisions in each room and Wii game systems by request. There is also a 24-hour fitness center, a tennis facility and a three-story indoor Oceanarium with hundreds of fish and other marine life. For more information, call 808.923.4511 or visit www.pacificbeachhotel.com.
- SoulSpace Sanctuary is scheduled to open on Maui in November. The six-acre gated compound on the island’s North Shore, originally built in 1909, consists of five restored historic buildings and features 28 guest rooms, suites and bungalows. All rooms are free of televisions, however wireless Internet is available throughout on a complimentary basis. Guests can participate in sunrise and sunset meditations, enjoy the organic gardens, eat in the Maui farm-to-table dining room and find private respite on the six-acre property. The dining room features local organic fare. For more information, call 808.579.8877 or visit www.soulspacesanctuary.com.
Mexico
- The Holiday Inn Resort Acapulco opened in September in the Condesa area. The property offers 224 guest rooms, free high-speed wireless Internet access, 32-inch LCD televisions and a fitness center. The hotel also has two restaurants and five meeting rooms with ocean views and the capacity for up to 420 people. In addition, the hotel offers outdoor events in the pool area for up to 200. For more information, call 800-HOLIDAY or visit www.holidayinnresorts.com.
- The Westin Guadalajara debuted with 221 guest rooms, a restaurant and meeting facilities. The hotel is in front of the Expo Guadalajara convention center. Rooms are also equipped with high-speed Internet access. The property features a 24-hour gym, a restaurant and nearly 2,000 square feet of meeting space for up to 150 people, including six meeting rooms, prefunction space and high-speed Internet connectivity. For more information, call 011.52.333.880.2700 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
Nevada
- Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is slated to open the Octavius Tower, a 668-room hotel tower including 60 suites and six luxury villas, in January. The tower will offer a private entrance, separate hotel lobby and direct access to the Garden of the Gods pool oasis and gardens. Guest rooms will start at 550 square feet and accommodations will include 42-inch flat-panel HD televisions and media hubs. The opening of the Octavius Tower will mark the completion of the $860 million Caesars Palace expansion. Caesars Palace features 3,300 hotel guest rooms and suites and 300,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. For more information, call 866.227.5938 or visit www.caesarspalace.com.
New Mexico
- The Crowne Plaza Albuquerque opened in September following a brand change from a Hilton that included $14 million in renovations throughout the property. The 261-room hotel features 26,000 square feet of meeting space that includes an 8,000-square-foot conference center. The hotel is on 14 acres and offers an outdoor pool, fitness center, complimentary wireless access throughout the hotel and a business center. For more information, call 505.884.2500 or visit www.crowneplaza.com.