Destination news: October 2009
Published: October 1, 2009
International
Malaysia
The Hard Rock Hotel Penang and Café Penang reopened after a multi-million dollar renovation with 233 rooms and event space for up to 800 people.
National
Alabama
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute was named “Alabama’s Attraction of the Year” at the state’s recent Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
The Birmingham Museum of Art opened a new gallery dedicated to the work of African-American artists, featuring new acquisitions, traveling exhibitions and works on loan.
Arizona
The Rockefeller Group Development Company’s plans to exceed Chandler height limits by more than 100 feet for its hotel, retail and office space complex have been endorsed by city officials. The current limit is 45 feet, but the complex can be 160 feet and include an 11-story, 300-room hotel with a 65,000-sq. ft. conference center.
The Hermosa Inn in Scottsdale is expected to complete a $2 million renovation of its 35 guest rooms and four villas this month. The property, which originally opened in the 1930s, has meeting space for small groups.
California
The Santa Clara Convention Center completed a $37 million expansion project. The center now offers 302,000 square feet of meeting space, including a ballroom that seats up to 3,199 people theater-style.
The San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau and Moscone Center now offer a virtual tour of Moscone Center. The interactive tour provides 360-degree views of Moscone Center’s three major buildings as well as photo galleries and capacity charts.
Colorado
The $235 million Ameristar Casino Resort and Spa Black Hawk opened with 536 rooms and a 700-person event center. The 33-story tower is said to be the tallest structure between Salt Lake City and Denver and features a 60-ft. rooftop pool.
Florida
The 497-room Waldorf Astoria Orlando opened adjacent to Disney World with 28,000 square feet of meeting space.
The Hilton Bonnet Creek opened near Disney World with 1,000 rooms and 150,000 square feet of meeting space.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expected to open at the Universal Orlando Resort in spring 2010. Universal is collaborating with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and J.K. Rowling to bring the Harry Potter books to life for guests of all ages.
Illinois
Loews Hotels canceled its plans to build a $175 million, 384-room property in downtown Chicago due to the economy.
Louisiana
The Inn on Bourbon completed a multi-million dollar renovation of its 186 guest rooms and added a 300-person event room. The property offers over 4,300 square feet of meeting space.
New York
The Embassy Suites Buffalo opened with 182 rooms and more than 6,000 square feet of meeting space.
Oklahoma
The 102-room Mayo Hotel in downtown Tulsa reopened after a 28-year hiatus and a $40 million renovation. The 84-year-old building has meeting space for up to 300 guests.
Texas
The Nylo Dallas/Las Colinas opened in Irving with 200 rooms and 7,000 square feet of event space.
Utah
The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort on Deer Valley’s ski slopes is expected to open early next month with 181 rooms and over 10,400 square feet of event space. According to Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, more than 2,400 applicants have applied for an estimated 300 jobs at the $325 million resort complex.
West Virginia
The Greenbrier Resort’s Prime 44 West steak house, honoring NBA hall-of-famer Jerry West, opened. The resort also received its casino license, which includes a provision requiring a portion of the casino receipts to fund employee benefits. Construction on the casino began in August.
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