Florida
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village announced the expansion of its meetings space with the addition of a $15 million, 35,000-square-foot conference center scheduled for completion in 2017. The new space will feature a 13,000-square-foot grand ballroom and add to the resort’s existing 15,000 square feet of function space. The new ballroom will be able to be divided into multiple spaces and accommodate up to six smaller rooms. The 4,754-square-foot prefunction area, a multifunction room for board meetings or office space, and a 1,728-square-foot terrace overlooking the Caloosahatchee River estuary will also be included in the expansion. In addition, the resort will convert 30 two-bedroom suites into traditional and one-bedroom units totaling 293 rooms.
Georgia
Hilton Worldwide announced the Candler Hotel Atlanta, Curio Collection by Hilton will open in 2017 following extensive renovations. The historic Candler building is one of the city’s oldest landmarks. The structure was originally developed over a century ago by one of Coca-Cola’s executives, Asa Candler, and when built in the early 1900s was Atlanta’s first steel skyscraper. Renovations will transform the former office building into a 265-room hotel that will feature the building’s well-known Georgia-white marble grand staircase, original Tiffany windows and a restaurant and bar. Meeting and event space will be available as well as an outdoor rooftop space.
Kentucky
21c Museum Hotels opened its fifth property, the 21c Lexington. The 88-room hotel is an adaptive reuse of the 100-year old Fayette National Bank Building, mixing contemporary design with historic Beaux Arts International-inspired details as well as contemporary art exhibition space open free of charge to the public. The more than 7,000 square feet of art-filled event space can accommodate 350 for a reception. The Main Gallery, a double-height room with historic arched windows, concrete flooring and velvet drapery, connects with Gallery One, a space that can be used for a cocktail reception or lounge seating. The on-site restaurant Lockbox features craft purveyors and seasonal ingredients.
Puerto Rico
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of the Hyatt Place San Juan/City Center adjacent to the Puerto Rico Convention Center. The 149-room hotel debuted after the opening of three Hyatt-branded properties in Puerto Rico in the last two years: Hyatt Place San Juan/Bayamon, Hyatt Place Manatí and Hyatt House San Juan. The hotel features a resort-style swimming pool and water features for children as well as a digital artwork display on the building’s exterior by local artist Annette Vaccaro. There is more than 3,165 square feet of meeting and function space.
Texas
The Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio-Live Oak Conference Center opened with 138 guest rooms and 12,000 square feet of meeting space. The 8,200-square-foot ballroom can accommodate 700 guests and there are additional breakout rooms and an executive boardroom. The property is located a short drive from south Texas attractions such as the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Riverwalk and San Antonio Zoo.
Hyatt House Dallas/Frisco was set to open in late March, presstime. The hotel will be within walking distance to a number of attractions and destinations, including the Frisco Conference Center, Dr Pepper Arena and the new Dallas Cowboys Headquarters as well as corporate headquarters such as JCPenney, Frito Lay, PepsiCo, Hewlett-Packard Company and the future Toyota headquarters. The 132 guest rooms will be apartment-style with fully equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping spaces. The Commons is a lounge for guests to relax and gather and the Outdoor Commons includes a fire pit and barbecue. The property has two meeting spaces, and a 24/7 market and The H Bar, offering the brand’s Sip + Savor menu.