SPRINGFIELD, MO—John Q. Hammons Hotels and Resorts has slated more than $44 million for property capital improvements in 2008. Two first-quarter projects include renovations at the 275-suite Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel in North Carolina and the 311-room Renaissance Oklahoma City Hotel Downtown. Both are currently undergoing multimillion-dollar makeovers that include public spaces and guestrooms. The renovations are expected to be completed in April with a combined cost of close to $9 million. The hotels will be remodeled with new fabrics and a color palette of gold, olive and rust. New 32-inch LCD flat-screen televisions and digital thermostats will be installed in guestrooms. The lobbies will be reconfigured using Marriott’s “Lobby Reinvented” concept. This concept incorporates a lounge environment with a mixed-use space, giving small groups and individual travelers an area to work or eat when outside their rooms. John Q. Hammons Hotels and Resorts has an in-house design team headed by John Fulton, vp/design and purchasing. Fulton’s team includes staff dedicated to renovation planning and oversight. Fulton noted that John Q. Hammons will be increasing its investment in spa and workout center square footage and allocating additional funds to fitness-equipment upgrades. This year, John Q. Hammons also plans to continue transitioning its existing hotel portfolio to LCD flat-screen televisions. In addition, all new hotel developments will be outfitted with flat-screens.
