Florida
- The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek opened at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista in October. The hotel offers 400 guest rooms and suites that overlook the property’s 10-acre lake and Walt Disney World parks. Each room features a 40-inch, flat-panel television and high-speed wired and wireless Internet access. Guests staying on concierge floors, located on the top two floors of the hotel, have private access to the concierge lounge. Other amenities include a fitness center, 24-hour business center and a lagoon-style pool with private outdoor cabanas. Guests also have access to a nearby 18-hole championship golf course. There are more than 25,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor areas, including the 8,000-square-foot Ponce de Leon ballroom with 19-foot ceilings as well as an outdoor pool deck that can accommodate up to 400. For more information, call 407.390.2300 or visit www.wyndham.com.
- The Melia Orlando Hotel at Celebration, formerly operated as the Mona Lisa Suite Hotel, recently reopened as a 240-unit property featuring upscale residentially styled one- and two-bedroom suites. The hotel, which was originally developed as a condominium resort, features guest rooms with private balconies. Other amenities include two restaurants, guest bicycles and preferred access to nearby golf courses. For more information, call 407.964.7000 or visit www.solmelia.com.
- Thompson Hotels will rebrand the historic Hotel Victor in Miami Beach as the Thompson Ocean Drive following a multimillion-dollar renovation to both guest rooms and public spaces, to be completed in early 2012. Hotel Victor originally opened in 1936, and underwent a major restoration by acclaimed designer Jacques Garcia in 2004. The hotel, located in the heart of Miami Beach’s Art Deco District, features 90 guest rooms, most with ocean views, an infinity pool, a 6,000-square-foot spa, a restaurant, three lounges and bars, as well as 6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces. For more information, call 305.779.8700 or visit www.thompsonhotels.com.
- Room Mate Hotels reopened the Waldorf Miami Beach following a renovation to its interior as well as all 44 guest suites. The Waldorf is scheduled to be the first LEED-certified hotel in Miami Beach. Amenities include Wi-Fi Internet access. For more information, call 786.439.1600 or visit www.room-matehotels.com.
Georgia
- The 304-room Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel recently opened in Atlanta’s Midtown district. The hotel’s showpiece is a 442-gallon saltwater aquarium while its outdoor rooftop lounge also appeals to groups. The property includes 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a banquet hall that can accommodate up to 500 as well as farm-to-table cuisine from Chef Janine Falvo served at the adjacent Briza Restaurant. For more information, call 678.412.2400 or visit www.renaissanceatlantamidtown.com.
Mexico
- DoubleTree by Hilton Queretaro recently debuted within walking distance of the Queretaro Convention Center. Every guest room features high-speed Internet access and 42-inch, flat-panel televisions. The hotel offers a 24-hour business center and flexible meeting and conference space that can accommodate up to 75 guests. There is also a fitness center and an indoor swimming pool. For more information, call 011.52.442.368.3000 or visit http://queretaro.doubletreebyhilton.com.
- The Acanto Boutique Hotel, Playa del Carmen recently underwent an extensive expansion and renovation. All guest rooms now feature full kitchens, plasma televisions and balconies or terraces. The hotel is built around a tropical courtyard with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sun decks and chaise lounges for sunbathing. There is also a destination spa and access to a private beach club. For more information, call 631.882.1986 or visit www.acantohotels.com.
North Carolina
- The DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte recently completed a renovation to all 187 guest rooms and suites, including the addition of wired and wireless high-speed Internet in each room as well as flat-screen HD televisions. For more information, call 704.347.0070 or visit www.charlottegatewayvillage.doubletree.com.
Texas
- The Hilton Americas-Houston recently took the wraps off an $11 million renovation, including refreshed guest rooms and suites, an updated executive lounge and upgraded meeting areas. Connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center via sky bridges, the hotel’s 1,200 luxury guest rooms are accented by 91,500 square feet of flexible meeting space, two restaurants, a lobby bar and a full-service spa and health club. For more information, call 713.739.8000 or visit www.americashouston.hilton.com.
- Home2 Suites San Antonio debuted in October inside the South Texas Building, which first first opened in 1919 as the Central Trust Company Building and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 14-story, 128-suite hotel features six different room layouts, with 96 king studio suites and 32 queen studio suites. Amenities include an indoor saline swimming pool. For more information, call 210.354.4366 or visit http://home2suites1.hilton.com.