Alabama
ALABAMA GULF COAST
Orange Beach
The Wharf: Currently open in the mixed-use development are various restaurants, shops, the RAVE Motion Pictures’ Wharf 15, a Ferris wheel, a marina and a 10,200-seat amphitheater. Other components planned for 2008 and beyond include five hotels and an Aveda spa.
END: ALABAMA GULF COAST Auburn/Opelika
Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National (866) 343-5283;
Online Listing;
www.marriottgrandnational.com A $2 million renovation was completed in January that updated meeting space with new carpeting and crown molding; updated guest rooms with luxurious bedding and new artwork; and added a new game room.
Birmingham
Greater Birmingham CVB (800) 458-8085;
Online Listing;
www.thediversecity.orgHarbert Realty Services, developers of a new downtown luxury hotel, has announced the $50 million, 255-room property will carry the Marriott Renaissance flag. Development plans call for converting the 17-story Regions Plaza to a luxury hotel that will include a full-service restaurant, banquet facilities and meeting rooms.
Birmingham/Jefferson Convention Complex: Developer Performa Entertainment Real Estate, the company that planned Beale Street developments in Memphis, said celebrities like FOX TV’s “American Idol” 2003 winner Ruben Studdard are among those who have committed or shown interest in opening nightclubs and restaurants at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex entertainment district.
Carraway-Davie House & Convention Center: Plans are in the works to increase accommodations and meeting space, owners announced this year. Currently, the property offers six guest rooms and 18,000 square feet of meeting space.
Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport: $5.9 million in renovations were completed in May, transforming the existing 226 guest rooms into 220 rooms in order to create larger living spaces. Included in the renovation was an expansion of the ballroom to 2,484 square feet, an upgrade of the hotel’s fitness center, and the addition of a gourmet coffee bar and a gift shop.
Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa (205) 949-3006;
Online Listing;
www.rossbridgeresort.com New resort located on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail offers 20,000 square feet of meeting space, 259 guest rooms and a 12,000-square-foot spa.
Sheraton Birmingham Hotel: Underwent a $16 million renovation in 2007 that included updating the presidential suites, the addition of hospitality suites, and overall visual improvements such as new carpet, wall coverings, window treatments, furniture, artwork and lighting fixtures.
The Tutwiler Hotel: Integral Hospitality Solutions took over ownership of the historic property in 2006 and set in motion renovations and restorations in 2007 of the property’s 149 guest rooms. New additions include a breakfast room, a business center and a fitness center. The total cost of the project is estimated at $9 million.
The Wynfrey Hotel: 2007 unveiled an investment of $7 million in improvements, including a $3 million guest bathroom renovation in all 329 rooms that added Italian marble tile and other enhancements. Meeting rooms received new carpeting, Italian murals and Wi-Fi access. Additional enhancements were made throughout.
Florence
Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa (256) 246-3600;
Online Listing;
www.marriottshoals.com Named the top golf resort for Marriott in 2006. The 200 guest rooms, including seven suites, have private balconies and riverfront views. The resort features Alabama’s only revolving restaurant and more than 30,000 square feet of meeting space.
Huntsville
Huntsville/Madison County CVB: A new 210-room Westin will anchor the new Bridge Street Town Centre, a multi-use development that will include office, retail, dining, entertainment and lodging venues. The hotel is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
Holiday Inn Huntsville Downtown: Located across from the Big Spring International Park and adjacent to the Von Braun Convention Center, the hotel recently completed a $3 million renovation.
Holiday Inn - Research Park: Recently completed a $2.3 million renovation of the 5,400 square feet of meeting space, the lobby and the indoor/outdoor pool, plus new carpeting, paint, bedding and bathroom fixtures in all 200 guest rooms.
Mobile
The Battle House, A Renaissance Hotel (251) 338-2000;
Online Listing;
www.rsabattlehouse.com Opened May 2007, the 238-room hotel blends the old and new after a meticulous restoration and the installation of modern amenities, such as wireless Internet access. Meetings are accommodated in 40,000 square feet of meeting and pre-function space that includes the Crystal Ballroom.
Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa (251) 928-9201; Online Listing;
Online Listing;
www.marriottgrand.com Originally opened in 1847, the hotel completely reopened on Nov. 1, 2006, following Hurricane Katrina’s flood surge. The historic buildings were preserved, and another restaurant was added.
Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel (251) 438-4000;
Online Listing;
www.riverviewmobile.com A $32 million renovation was completed in the summer of 2007. The hotel is connected to the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center via skywalks and is part of the EasyWalk package, Mobile’s “walkable downtown” meetings package.
Montgomery
Marriott Montgomery Prattville Hotel & Conference Center at Capitol Hill (866) 340-5343;
Online Listing;
www.marriottcapitolhill.com Hotel offers 18,000 square feet of event space, including a new 8,000-square-foot ballroom, pre-function space, and a covered patio for up to 175 attendees, banquet style.
Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center
(334) 532-0700;
Online Listing;
www.renaissancemontgomery.com Opening in early 2008, the hotel features 346 rooms and suites, several restaurants and bars, a performing arts center and a European-styled spa. The Renaissance is directly connected to the Montgomery Convention Center, which is undergoing a major renovation. Combined, the complex has 143,000 square feet of meeting space.
