GAITHERSBURG, MD Marriott International celebrated the ribbon cutting of the 50th SpringHill Suites property with a grand celebration that included Marriott executives, the city s mayor and other local community figureheads.
Located here, the 162-room hotel has been open since June 30 and is running around 60% occupancy. Dana Pimentel, general manager of the property expects that number to reach between 67% and 70% by the end of the fall season.
The hotel is owned by Orlando-based CNL Hospitality Corp., is managed by Marriott International and is one of the first newly constructed SpringHill Suite properties.
On hand at the ribbon cutting were J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman/CEO of Marriott International; Mayor of the City of Gaithersburg, Sidney Katz; Dana Pimentel, gm and Paul Schnitman, principal of the Rosemont Elementary School.
A unique feature of the property is the Internet bar located in the continental breakfast area, which is currently being tested out. Guests can bring their laptops and plug in while eating breakfast. It s less intimidating for them to eat alone this way. It s just like eating dinner in a bar alone but may give them more of a reason to talk to the person seated next to them said Pimentel. (9/22/00) –Rebecca Ordon