Alabama
A new terminal opened to the public in March at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, the completion of the first phase of a $200 million renovation that began more than two years ago. The project streamlined security lines and added jet bridges for all gates, so passengers will no longer board from the tarmac. BHM served more than 2.8 million passengers in 2012.
Florida
Rosen Hotels & Resorts announced plans for a new skybridge connecting Rosen Plaza and the Orange County Convention Center. The bridge will be dedicated to the late Visit Orlando President & CEO Gary Sain, who made significant contributions to the Orlando tourism industry.
Only in Jax is a new website designed to highlight Jacksonville-specific entertainment and attractions, focusing on things that make the city unique, such as having more than 80,000 acres of parks and being home to Treaty Oak, a 250-year-old Southern Oak tree.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort in Destin completed a renovation of its restaurants and meeting spaces and announced the launch of its next multimillion-dollar modernization project, an upgrade of the property’s 11,000-squrae-foot spa and the 200-room Spa Tower. The 598-room resort offers more than 32,000 square feet of function space.
Georgia
The former Atlanta Marriott Downtown has rebranded as the DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Downtown. A property-wide renovation will conclude late this year. Originally opened in 1962, the 312-room hotel was the first racially integrated hotel in Atlanta and offers 14,000 square feet of meeting space.
The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation unveiled property renovations before the Masters Tournament in April at the Augusta National Golf Club. All 251 guest rooms were updated. The Ritz-Carlton offers 18,000 square feet of meeting space. New dining venues include the renovated Georgia’s Bistro and a new coffee shop. Updates were also made to The Landing golf course.
The 275-room Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter opened following a year-long $20 million renovation. Group venues include the 12th floor club lounge and 10,000 square feet of meeting space. A ground level restaurant also opened this spring.
Kentucky
The 616-room Louisville Marriott Downtown completed a $6 million renovation of its guest rooms, suites, concierge lounge, pool, spa and fitness center. The hotel can accommodate groups of up to 3,500 in 30 meeting rooms.
South Carolina
The new Holiday Inn Charleston Historic Downtown added 120 rooms to the city’s downtown district. The property offers 2,000 square feet of meeting space accommodating groups up to 150.
Texas
The 484-room Renaissance Dallas Hotel broke ground in March on its multimillion-dollar, 30,000-square-foot meeting facility, scheduled for completion in June 2014. The new space will give the hotel a total of 50,000 square feet of function space. The addition is designed to qualify for LEED Silver certificaiton and will center around the 16,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom.
Hyatt Place Austin Downtown debuted in March near the Austin Convention Center with 296 guest rooms and 1,800 square feet of meeting space.
The Woodlands Resort, outside Houston, began a $60 million renovation, expected to take 18 months. The project will add a new guest room wing with 184 rooms and restaurant, in addition to updating th 60,000-square-foot conference center.