LITTLE ROCK, Ark.
Major renovation plans are underway for the 418-room Little Rock Marriott in downtown Little Rock, Ark. The $16 million overhaul will include all guest rooms and public meeting and dining spaces. The property—which offers 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space—will remain open throughout the renovation, which should be completed by late summer 2014.
“Although we’ve already made some significant progress in converting to the Marriott Hotels flag, the real transformation won’t be realized until this last and final phase of renovation occurs,” said Bill Fontes, general manager of the property. “We believe it will better position our hotel to meet the needs and demands of both business and leisure travelers seeking upscale accommodations in the area.”
The property recently added 42-inch flat screen televisions and coffee makers in all guest rooms and completed a full renovation of the hotel’s fitness center. Additionally, it opened The Café which proudly serves Starbucks products.
The renovation will include the addition of a new space for hotel guests reserving Club Level rooms which will be located on the lobby level in the former Velvet Humidor Cigar Lounge. Platinum and Gold Marriott Rewards guests will also be able to enjoy this new non-smoking space Sunday evening through Friday morning. Special room key access gains entry to this space for these guests only.
Lobby Upgrades and Energy Savings
Additional renovation work will include the guest registration and lobby seating area, which will be completely transformed, featuring signature elements that will make the arrival experience memorable. The lobby bar renovation will follow the Marriott Hotels’ Greatroom lobby concept, with engaging spaces for the locals and hotel guests. The new space will feature a media wall with four 80-inch televisions, comfortable gathering spaces and an abundance of outlets to plug in and work while enjoying a meal and refreshments.
As part of the renovation, the hotel is implementing a new energy savings program with energy efficient CFL light bulbs, while replacing the old thermostats with digital ones. The new thermostats will contain sensors to detect when the room is occupied, helping control temperatures and provide energy savings. Plus, the Greatroom will feature new LED lighting.
The Little Rock Marriott is Arkansas’s only full-service Marriott Hotels property. Conveniently located in the heart of Little Rock’s downtown River Market district, it is connected to the Statehouse Convention Center and is just minutes away from the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, Verizon Arena, Old Statehouse Museum, local performing arts centers and the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport.
