Florida
The DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Airport is under new management, with ownership undertaking a renovation project. The 353-room hotel is two miles from Orlando International Airport and within 20 minutes of many of the city’s attractions, including Disney World, Universal Studios and downtown. The renovations will take place over the next 18 months and will focus on upgrades to the public spaces and guest rooms. Currently, the hotel has a full-service bar, 463 Restaurant and over 15,000 square feet of meeting space. The 7,350-square-foot ballroom can accommodate up to 700 guests.
North Carolina
Hospitality Ventures Management Group acquired two downtown Winston-Salem hotels, the 315-room Marriott and the 146-room Embassy Suites. Both have plans for upgrades and are adjacent to the Benton Convention Center, which is currently undergoing an $18 million renovation. The Winston-Salem Marriott offers 15,000 square feet of meeting space, including 14 meeting rooms with an overall capacity of 600 people. The Embassy Suites Winston-Salem features accommodations with separate living, working, bedroom and kitchen areas. The hotel has over 57,000 square feet of meeting space, including an eight-story atrium that can accommodate 600 guests and a ballroom for up to 1,200 people.
Puerto Rico
The El San Juan Hotel & Casino began a multimillion-dollar renovation slated for completion in early 2017. The 387-room Hilton property will be temporary closed during the transformation, which includes upgrades to its guest rooms, pool area, meeting and entertainment spaces, food and beverage venues, spa and fitness facilities. The hotel offers over 35,000 square feet of meeting space, including an 11,000-square-foot ballroom that can accommodate 1,150 guests.
Texas
Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen Convention Center opened with 150 guest suites. The hotel features 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a main ballroom that can accommodate up to 600 guests and can be divided into five smaller spaces. The property is adjacent to the McAllen Convention Center, which offers an additional 174,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 60,000-square-foot column-free exhibit hall.
Hyatt Regency Austin completed a $37 million renovation to its guest rooms and meeting spaces. The hotel is now in the final stage of the renovation by updating the lobby design. All 448 guest rooms were remodeled with music-inspired decor and artwork. The meeting space was expanded and updated with the addition of the 14,000-square-foot Zilker Ballroom, which features a two-story atrium and covered outdoor balcony. With the expansion, the hotel now offers over 33,000 square feet of meeting space and more than 15,000 square feet of prefunction space. The lobby renovation will include Web check-in as well as high-definition panels displaying information on the city’s music scene. The hotel will also add a new Make Space area on the second floor designed as a venue for groups to meet and work as well as a space for individual work.
Sheraton Georgetown Texas Hotel & Conference Center debuted in Georgetown, about 30 miles outside of Austin. The 222-room hotel features a conference center with 30,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 16,000-square-foot ballroom with 10 distinct sections and four breakout rooms, including a boardroom. The lobby serves as a space for meeting, eating and socializing, and the lobby bar features the brand’s Paired program, offering curated food and beverage selections. Artwork, including paintings and sculptures from local artists, are displayed throughout the property.