NOVI, MI— Norwalk, CT-based HEI Hospitality, in a joint venture with Prudential Real Estate Investors (PREI), has completed the acquisition of the Hilton Novi here. The 239-room property— purchased from White Plains, NY-based Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide for an undisclosed amount— will immediately convert to the Sheraton brand and be renamed the Sheraton Detroit Novi, and be operated by Smilezzzz Hospitality, an HEI subsidiary. The property is billed as the first of a group of 14 hotels that HEI— in conjunction with several joint-venture partnerships— agreed to purchase from Starwood in late May. The sale of the 13 remaining hotels is expected to conclude shortly. It was further noted the property would undergo a $1-million renovation, to include a major upgrade to the lobby, restaurant, lounge and meeting space. The hotel recently completed a $4-million renovation of its guestrooms, including installation of the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed. Located 20 miles outside of Detroit, the property targets a cross-section of business, group and leisure travelers. Recreational amenities include a heated indoor pool, an outdoor sun deck, jogging trail, and a fully equipped workout facility with hot tub and sauna. With more than 17,000 square feet of meeting space, the property can accommodate groups of up to 800 people. Moreover, the hotel’s array of food and beverage offerings includes Da Vinci’s Market— an upscale Italian-American restaurant— and the Sports Edition Lounge.
