News

NATIONAL REPORT—Hotels in the South are undergoing renovations, updating spaces and adding amenities. Here’s a closer look at the recent transformations:

Multimillion-Dollar La Colombe d’Or Hotel Reveals Renovation Details 
The Zimmermans, represented by NewForm Real Estate, in a joint venture with Hines, have new details for the La Colombe d’Or Hotel renovation in Houston. In addition to the 34-story The Residences at La Colombe d’Or developed and previously revealed by Hines, La Colombe d’Or Hotel’s footprint will grow to a total of 32 rooms across the Mansion, Tower and Garden Bungalows.

The Mansion, classified as a historical landmark, is undergoing a full renovation and restoration. Modern comforts will complement the original historic elements including all new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Led by Rottet Studio, the design refreshes the traditional elegance of the historic 1920s mansion and layers in modern notes. The renovation revolves around the expanded restaurant and bar.

The Tower includes 18 hotel suites on the lower level of The Residences at La Colombe d’Or. With architecture by Muniz + Albin and interiors by Rottet Studio, this modern expansion of the hotel deliberately contrasts the historic mansion to amplify the beauty inherent in each architectural era.

The Garden Bungalows, a collection of nine suites grouped around a courtyard, are accessed via a walkway from the new tower. Designed by gin design group, this experience offers guests a respite from the bustle of the city with a whimsical nod to the Mansion. Designer lighting punctuates a collection of original art displayed throughout.

Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Perimeter Center Undergoes Upgrade
Noble Investment Group revealed that the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Perimeter Center has completed an upgrade and enhancement to all hotel guestrooms and suites, public areas and meeting and event spaces.

The hotel has 193 guestrooms and suites, and each received a complete refresh including guest bathrooms. The hotel restaurant and lounge have been created as an inviting food and beverage experience for guests. The hotel’s 3,600 sq. ft. of event space was also redesigned and upgraded. Further enhancements were completed throughout the hotel, including the fitness and health center, the indoor heated pool and whirlpool, and laundry facilities.

Courtyard by Marriott Charlottesville—University Medical Center Completes Renovation
The 139-guestroom Courtyard by Marriott Charlottesville—University Medical Center has been renovated in Charlottesville, VA.

The hotel’s redesign features a refreshed and modernized lobby with media pods, communal tables, plush lounge furniture and upgraded televisions. Along with the remodeled guestrooms, the all new Courtyard Crate is a redesigned sundry shop. The fitness center and 1,900 sq. ft. of meeting space have also been restyled.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa Reopens in Florida Keys
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa—part of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts collection—has begun welcoming guests after undergoing a complete update to the four-acre, private island resort is the Florida Keys. The property is reopening following Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

Each of the 30 redesigned suites have ocean views and new interiors. SpaTerre is also open, along with the signature Dining Room that has been enhanced; private cabanas have been added to the oceanfront pool area and the Palapa Bar will be returning as well.

Kingston Resorts to Undergo $50-Million Renovation
EOS Investors LLC (EOS) has plans for a multiphase $50-million renovation of the Kingston Resorts properties, beginning with a $20-million investment in the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort followed by a $30-million investment in the Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort.

The renovation of Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort is set for completion by June. Phase one for Kingston Resorts’ renovation, which began in January, includes a complete redesign and upgrade of all 385 guestrooms at Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort.

The renovation will reimagine the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort’s current outdoor dining concept with a transformation into an upscale, social setting. Other public spaces and common areas undergoing renovation include the Dunes Ballroom, the property’s meeting and event space, as well as the hotel’s oceanfront pool. Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort’s oceanfront bar will also be refreshed and expanded.

McKibbon Hospitality Begins Renovation of Aloft Asheville Downtown
The Aloft Asheville Downtown in Asheville, NC, has begun a renovation. The hotel remains open during the renovation, which began in January and is expected to be completed this month. Upon completion, guests will experience new carpeting, seating and fabrics in all 111 guestrooms, suites and public spaces.

Other upgrades include an expansion and complete reorganization of the hotel’s lobby and signature W XYZ bar and its outdoor patio. Additionally, the new design incorporates locally inspired elements and locally commissioned artwork. The hotel, which opened in 2012, is owned and managed by McKibbon Hospitality.

Virginia’s Tides Inn Welcomes Guests Back with Enhancements
The Tides Inn—a historic resort located along Virginia’s coast—is making resort enhancements, indoors and out. This multimillion-dollar refinement will debut 66 refreshed guestrooms, four all-new luxury suites, new fitness center equipment, a Maker Space with expanded resort programming and a special offer that pays homage to the history of the family-built resort.

The Tides Inn has an updated entryway; revitalized Chesapeake Restaurant and outdoor terrace with new tableside cocktail service; a new Chef’s Kitchen with interactive programming and cooking classes; dockside dining with 12 new boat slips; a redesigned bar; new poolside lounge seating; new waterfront bocce court; 66 refreshed guestrooms; and a TechnoGym fitness center. Additionally, the resort will have four new suites this summer.

Complementing these refinements, the Tides Inn will have bikes available for complimentary use; a wider assortment of lawn games, including bocce; and the resort’s new Maker Space—a setting designed to cultivate creativity and bring people together with year-round programming.

—HOTEL BUSINESS