Alabama
The Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National completed its renovation in early May in time to host the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship this summer. The multiyear transformation included all 129 guest rooms and common areas such as guest corridors, the lobby and meeting space. The property offer over 15,000 square feet of meeting space across 13 meeting rooms, a 4,700-square-foot ballroom and a 96-seat amphitheater. There are plans to renovate the Presidential Suite as well as the hotel’s Lakeview Room Restaurant and Fairways Lounge.
Florida
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport/Westshore completed its renovations. The hotel, located in the Westshore business district, made upgrades to its 243 guest rooms, meeting space, outdoor pool terrace and fitness center. The two-bedroom guest corridors were upgraded with new artwork, lighting, furniture and televisions. The property offers 9,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 3,100-square-foot ballroom that can accommodate 250 for a reception.
Olshan Properties announced plans to begin the transformation of its Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa. The property will temporary close in June for a grand reopening in the fall. The beachfront resort will renovate the entryway, lobby, concierge, bell desk and reception area for a new arrival experience. A new restaurant will be added in addition to the brand’s Herb N Kitchen marketplace. The 11th floor penthouse level will be redesigned to incorporate 16 new one- and two-bedroom suites. New junior suites will be added on the ground level, bringing the total room count 310. Also part of the renovations is its 12,000 square feet of meeting space, including new rooms for smaller events or breakout sessions and upgraded patios for indoor/outdoor pre- or post-functions.
Kentucky
Hyatt Regency Lexington completed a multimillion- dollar renovation to its 366 guest rooms, meeting and event spaces, hotel lobby and restaurant, BlueFire Bar & Grill. The property is connected to Rupp Arena, Lexington Convention Center and Lexington Complex shops, and the new decor includes artwork inspired by the state’s history of horse racing. The hotel offers over 19,000 square feet of meeting space and an additional 4,500-square-foot prefucntion space. There are two ballrooms and 17 meeting rooms able to accommodate groups up to 3,000. Meeting and event space is also available at the adjacent Lexington Convention Center and the 23,000-seat Rupp Arena.
Texas
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Houston by the Galleriacompleted a renovation and renaming. The hotel, which was formerly The DoubleTree Suites, now offers 238 guest rooms and 238 suites, more suite selections than any other hotel in Houston. In addition to the redesign of the guest rooms, the check-in area, lobby, public area and meeting spaces were also renovated. The Mezzanine has been completely repurposed and now includes different seating options, a breakfast bar as well as a casual restaurant. The hotel’s 9,000 square feet of meeting rooms and conference space was upgraded with new technology, including lighting, sound and visual aspects. The largest space is 2,200 square feet and can accommodate up to 250 people, and groups can also use the renovated pool deck for events.