NATIONAL REPORT—A spate of U.S. properties have renovations planned or in progress. Here’s a look at three of them:
SpringHill and TownePlace Suites
Further enhancing the continued redevelopment of New Orleans’ Canal St, stretching from downtown to Mid-City, Newcrestimage plans to renovate the former ODECO Building, named for its original tenant, the Ocean Drilling & Exploration Company, into the first-ever blended brand SpringHill and TownePlace Suites with a rooftop bar and patio. An opening is slated for Dec. 1.
At the time of the ODECO Building’s construction in the 1960s, there was a significant demand for office space to accommodate the city’s expanding oil and gas industry. Until 1993, ODECO leased the upper floors of the building, which was designed in the 1960s by New Orleans architect Paul Mouton, as office space. As a result, this hotel will have a variety of distinctive room designs and layouts.
While there are two separate brands—SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites—in this high-rise building, they will be separated by floor, not by building, with one shared lobby and breakfast area. Additionally, this property will be the only Marriott-affiliated hotel in New Orleans that will have a rooftop bar, Vue, with views from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome to the Mississippi River.
Hilton Garden Inn Tucson Airport
The Hilton Garden Inn Tucson Airport has completed a full renovation. The 125-room hotel opened in 2008 and is owned by Apple Hospitality REIT and managed by Texas Western Hospitality.
Among the enhancements include a revamped different guestroom experience with new furnishings, soft goods, a color palette of grays and blues, as well as updated lighting. The lobby furnishings have a trendy new look including contemporary seating, lighting and artwork, which features a desertscape theme throughout the property. The fitness center has brand-new equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, and an exercise bike, and the patio now offers resort seating.
Courtyard by Marriott in Minnesota
In Bloomington, MN, Hawkeye Hotels plans to convert the Park Plaza into a Courtyard by Marriott over the next 12 months. This will be the firm’s second property in Minnesota, with a Home2 Suites by Hilton in Eagan set to open by spring 2018.
The renovated hotel will offer have 209 guestrooms and 13 suites. Amenities include a bistro and bar open to the public, an exercise room, indoor swimming pool, high-speed wireless internet and a business center. The property will have 5,500 sq. ft. of meeting space.