Category Archives: Hotel News

The Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center Launches a One-of-a-Kind Program to Enhance Its Local and Organic Culinary Approach

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AUGUSTA, GA — (Marketwired) — When it comes to going green, there are many shades to choose from. You might opt for a LEED-designed building or organically grown food. You may insist on eating free-range meats or choose to support a business that integrates recycling into its daily operation. For the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, all that is just the beginning.

As part of its newly implemented In-House Crafted and Cured program, the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center has gone beyond its on-site herb garden to can, pickle and cure its own fruits, vegetables, salsas and meats. Executive Chef Craig LaPonzina oversees the program, which he considers a natural next step for the hotel. After all, he has long partnered with local famers like Wade Plantation in Sylvania, GA and Red Maple Farms in Augusta to procure the freshest local and organic produce and meats available.

“Certainly this program is a point of distinction, quality and freshness that separates our culinary initiatives from those of our competitors,” says LaPonzina.

Travelers to Augusta, GA can sample the fruits of this program in two ways: as part of a catered event in one of the hotel’s numerous venues, or in Augustino’s, an on-property Italian restaurant and steak house. Choosing what to try, however, might be more difficult since there is a bounty of items to tempt the palette. In-house crafted prosciutto, pancetta, various sausages and salamis are all on-hand, alongside pickles of every sort, from garlic-dill and icicles to hot and candied. Those who prefer sweeter items will enjoy the jams, jellies, preserves and marmalades, while homemade salsas and picante sauces heat things up. Rounding out the offerings are pickled veggies like okra, beets and giardiniera.

The In-House Crafted and Cured program is sure to appeal to all visitors, including business travelers. With 10 meeting rooms and 24 breakout rooms, Augusta, Georgia’s favorite business hotel has managed to add a mouthwatering dash of pleasure to its already attractive conference-related amenities.

The Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center is not content to rest on its eco-friendly laurels. “This is just the beginning!” LaPonzina exclaims. As the regional leader in sourcing local products, LaPonzina foresees the In-House Crafted and Cured program adding more and more items to its lineup, making the decision to go green in Augusta, GA a very easy one for travelers.

Generation Announces Grand Opening Date for Home2 Suites by Hilton in Augusta, GA

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What: The Generation Companies, a Research Triangle Park, NC based developer, operator and owner of the new Home2 Suites by Hilton in Augusta, GA, will celebrate the hotel’s grand opening with an open house, ribbon cutting, and reception Wednesday, April 24, 2013.  An Augusta partnership with The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta will be announced as part its Your2 Hands community initiative.

When:  Wednesday, April 27, 2013

11 a.m. -7 p.m. Open House Tours

4:30 p.m. Ribbon Cut and Your2 Hands Partnership Announcement

4-7 p.m. Reception

Who: The Generation Companies executives, representatives from the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, as well as officials from The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta. For more information on Generation please visit www.generationcompanies.com .

Where:  Home2 Suites by Hilton

3606 Exchange Lane

Augusta, GA 30909

(Walton Way Extension next door to Savannah River Banking Company)

The above is also attached for your convenience.  I will follow up with you on Monday afternoon, April 22, 2013. Thank you in advance for any coverage you can provide prior and following the event; please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Cheers,

Bennett Pappas

Director of Sales | Home2 Suites
3606 Exchange Lane | Augusta, GA 30909
706.564.5855 | cell
bennett.pappas@hilton.com | email

 

LOCAL HOTEL WINS STATEWIDE AWARD

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“The Best Western Evans Hotel on Belair Road received a “Stars of the Lodging Industry” award (Division 1) for “Good Earthkeeping” from the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association on March 19, 2013 in Atlanta.  The award was presented for the hotel staff members’ efforts in going eco-friendly, creative land use and community-focused recycling efforts.

 

 

COURTYARD IN AUGUSTA, GA COMPLETES A MAJOR ROOMS RENOVATION

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Flexible Work Spaces, Luxurious Bedding and Spacious Bathrooms Provide the Optimum Balance between Productivity and Relaxation

The 130-room Courtyard Augusta located at 1045 Stevens Creek Road in Augusta, GA has completed a major renovation of its guest rooms. With the exciting renovation, the Courtyard Augusta now offers a comfortable and stylish room design. Thoughtfully planned, each room features plush bedding, a functional work space, spacious bathrooms, a separate seating area and complimentary in-room high-speed wireless Internet access. The ample work space and ergonomic chair enable guests to accomplish their tasks, while the large flat-screen TV provides a great break and opportunity for downtime enjoyment. Providing a warm, sophisticated environment, the hotel’s rooms accommodate guests’ desire to stay connected, productive and refreshed during their stay.

“From day one, Courtyard has prided itself as a brand that listens to what travelers want from a hotel,” said Janis Milham, vice president and global brand manager, Courtyard by Marriott. “Guests want to balance between working and relaxing, and our rooms enable them to be productive or unwind when traveling alone or with family.”

The hotel’s inviting lobby space and friendly associates welcome guests at all times of the day. Guests can also dine in The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect., while coffee lovers can enjoy freshly brewed Starbucks coffee. The MarketTM, a 24/7 shop for snacks, beverages and sundries, is always open for late-night cravings or the toothpaste guests may have forgotten to pack.

Throughout the hotel, guests can connect to free Wi-Fi. The business library features several complimentary computer terminals, along with a free printer and separate computer stations dedicated solely to printing airline boarding passes and checking flight status.

Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ needs for choice and control. With more than 900 locations in 37 countries and territories, Courtyard by Marriott hotels participate in the award-winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, go to courtyard.com.

Click here for Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) company information.

For daily company news and information, visit marriottnewscenter.com.

Partridge Inn up for online auction in April

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Courtesy of The Augusta Chronicle

Online bidding for the The Partridge Inn, 2110 Walton Way, is scheduled for April 15-17 on a real estate auction Web site, Auction.com.

The Partridge Inn went through foreclosure after Walton Way Hotel LLC failed to make a monthly payment on its $16 million loan, initially issued in 2006. The hotel, which remained open, was purchased in September 2011 for $14 million by Walton Way Limited Partnership.

Since that time, the hotel has been in transitional limbo, said Partridge Inn General Manager David McCartney.

LNR Partners LLC, based in Miami, was hired to improve the 177-year-old building and its business operations in order to prepare the property for the real estate market, McCartney said.

“The owners’ role was to return the hotel to stable operations,” said McCartney, whose company, Hostmark Hospitality Group, was hired by LNR Partners for that reason.

About $450,000 was spent on the property for capital improvements since it was acquired in 2011, McCartney said. Roof repairs, exterior painting, guest room furnishings and other renovations were made to the boutique hotel, he said.

The Partridge was originally built in 1836 as a private residence and was converted into a hotel in 1892. The five-story hotel has 144 guest rooms, 5,600 square feet of indoor meeting room and about 3,000 square feet of exterior meeting space. A $5.6 million renovation project was completed in 2006.

The Partridge Inn has a staff of about 75 employees. Events booked in advance won’t be affected by the pending sale, McCartney said.

“It’s going to be business as usual for the future,” he said.

The hotel’s market value is almost $12 million, said Monty Levy, the property broker and vice president for Atlanta-based HREC Investment Advisors.com.

For more on this story go to www.augustachronicle.com.

 

COURTYARD IN AUGUSTA, GA COMPLETES A MAJOR ROOMS RENOVATION

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Flexible Work Spaces, Luxurious Bedding and Spacious Bathrooms Provide the Optimum Balance between Productivity and Relaxation

 The 130-room Courtyard Augusta located at 1045 Stevens Creek Road in Augusta, GA has completed a major renovation of its guest rooms. With the exciting renovation, the Courtyard Augusta now offers a comfortable and stylish room design. Thoughtfully planned, each room features plush bedding, a functional work space, spacious bathrooms, a separate seating area and complimentary in-room high-speed wireless Internet access. The ample work space and ergonomic chair enable guests to accomplish their tasks, while the large flat-screen TV provides a great break and opportunity for downtime enjoyment. Providing a warm, sophisticated environment, the hotel’s rooms accommodate guests’ desire to stay connected, productive and refreshed during their stay.

“From day one, Courtyard has prided itself as a brand that listens to what travelers want from a hotel,” said Janis Milham, vice president and global brand manager, Courtyard by Marriott. “Guests want to balance between working and relaxing, and our rooms enable them to be productive or unwind when traveling alone or with family.”

The hotel’s inviting lobby space and friendly associates welcome guests at all times of the day. Guests can also dine in The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect., while coffee lovers can enjoy freshly brewed Starbucks coffee. The MarketTM, a 24/7 shop for snacks, beverages and sundries, is always open for late-night cravings or the toothpaste guests may have forgotten to pack.

Throughout the hotel, guests can connect to free Wi-Fi. The business library features several complimentary computer terminals, along with a free printer and separate computer stations dedicated solely to printing airline boarding passes and checking flight status.

Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ needs for choice and control. With more than 900 locations in 37 countries and territories, Courtyard by Marriott hotels participate in the award-winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, go to courtyard.com.

Click here for Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) company information.

For daily company news and information, visit marriottnewscenter.com.

THE WILLCOX AGAIN NAMED BEST HOTEL BY TRAVEL + LEISURE

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COURTESY: AIKEN STANDARD

Praised for its Southern charm and hospitality, The Willcox has been recognized by the same national publication for a second consecutive year.

The Willcox was included in Travel + Leisure’s Top 500 Hotels worldwide for 2013 with a score of 94.25 out of 100. In 2012, The Willcox was 32 out of 50 on the World’s Best Hotels list.

“It’s just a very humbling award,” said Geoff Ellis, who owns The Willcox along with his wife, Shannon. “It’s just a really wonderful feeling to be named amongst the grandest hotels in the world. We feel this is such a wonderful, grand hotel for our community, and it’s wonderful that other people are recognizing it, as well.”

The Willcox is a 114-year-old hotel with 22 rooms – seven of those are suites.

The Ellises said that, for a small hotel, it has a lot to offer.

The Willcox includes a restaurant serving gourmet meals, and a spa which is open to both overnight or day visitors.

The magazine described The Willcox as a place that “feels more like home than a hotel” with rooms that look as if one has “just stepped into Scarlett O’Hara’s house.”

The Ellises said The Willcox is a place for both Aiken residents and those from far away to enjoy.

Shannon mentioned that, when visiting a new place, meeting those who live there is an exceptional way to get to know that city or town, and those staying at the hotel can mingle with residents who are enjoying a nice meal or glass of wine at the bar.

The couple believes that the publication’s recognition is not only great for them but also for Aiken.

Since the hotel has been featured in the magazine, calls from curious travelers have come in, and more are researching not only the facility but the city itself.

The Ellises said that, when they first bought the hotel several years ago, they noticed that people came to Aiken for a particular reason, whether it was for business or an equestrian event. Now, more people seem to be seeking pleasure in Aiken and taking time to enjoy the city, they said.

“We’re all so proud of Aiken,” Shannon said. “It’s really great to see people coming in and genuinely enjoying our city for what it is.”

Shannon added that it’s wonderful to watch some of the hotel’s guests come back after a day of exploring with multiple shopping bags from downtown Aiken.

“It’s a huge privilege for us and for Aiken to be honored in this way because they (Travel + Leisure) have a large number of people who read that magazine,” Shannon said.

The hotel continues to build memories through the experiences of its guests, and some of those memories were established by well-known, historic figures who stayed there including Winston Churchill, Count Folke Bernadotte of Sweden and Harold Vanderbilt, just to name a few.

The hotel’s influence in the community expands pasts its luxuriously-decorated rooms, soothing spa treatments and flavorful meals.

The Willcox holds cooking and cocktail classes, features art exhibits, hosts a variety of events and offers catering.

The Willcox also has a food truck that travels to different events and on Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., they park it at the UPS Corporate Offices near Golds Gym, 2031 S. Centennial Ave., and 10 percent of those gross sales go to the United Way.

The Ellises said they are so grateful for all of their patrons and are always open to suggestions.

“We are 100 percent here to cater to the customer,” Shannon said with a smile.

The Willcox is located at 100 Colleton Ave. S.W.

BILL MURRAY VISITED THE WILLCOX LAST FALL

Actor Bill Murray was in Aiken last fall and made a stop at The Willcox.

Murray didn’t stay the night but took a tour of the hotel and spent some time in the Roosevelt suite. Though it wasn’t clear at the time, it was later determined that Murray was interested in the suite and the hotel’s history because of his role in the new film, “Hyde Park on Hudson” in which he plays 32nd U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The room is named after the president who spent some time at the hotel. Roosevelt would enter through the rear of the hotel from a railcar that pulled up right behind the building.

Murray has been acting since the early 1970s and continues to star in a variety of movies. He is known for being part of the original “Saturday Night Live” cast, as well as acting in a long list of films including “Caddyshack” and “Groundhog Day.”

Willcox owners Shannon and Geoff Ellis said Murray was a very nice individual and it was a pleasure meeting him.

ARRIVING IN AUGUSTA

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COURTESY:  AUGUSTA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Augusta, GA – Visitors attending meetings, reunions, events and/or sporting events in the Augusta area will generate at least $2,466,352.00 in Direct Visitor Spending over the month of October.

The Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) and the Augusta Sports Council (ASC) are pleased to announce the following meetings, reunions, and events arriving in Augusta. Although these groups are meeting this month, the ACVB and ASC have worked over the last several months to help these events select Augusta and/or have a positive experience while here. Direct visitor spending is based on the number of overnight hotel rooms occupied.

The groups listed below represent just a portion of the groups in Augusta this month.

Arrivals for the Month of October 

4TH ANNUAL ESI IRONMAN 70.3 AUGUSTA IS THE LARGEST EVENT YET

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COURTESY: AUGUSTA SPORTS COUNCIL

Augusta, GA (September 16, 2011) – The ESi Ironman 70.3 Augusta triathlon returns to Augusta for the fourth time, September 25, 2011. The ESi Ironman 70.3 Augusta is sold-out for the fourth straight year and with more than 3,300 registered athletes – the most ever registered for the event – it retains its title of “World’s Largest Half-Ironman Race.”

Introduced in 2006, the Ironman 70.3 Series has grown to include more than 50 events, offering exciting races around the world that qualify athletes for the Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Henderson, Nev. Ironman 70.3 races consist of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile (half marathon) run, which adds up to 70.3 miles of total racing. The ESi Ironman 70.3 Augusta field of athletes is made up of elite-level amateurs, beginners and world class professional triathletes who will compete for a share of a $15,000 prize purse.

The race will begin at 7:00 am at the Riverwalk Marina with a 1.2 mile down river swim. The athletes will exit at the Boathouse to begin a 56-mile cycling leg through the rolling hills of Aiken County. The cycling route will then bring the racers back to The Boathouse, where they will transition to the run. The final 13.1 miles of the race will be covered with two circuits through downtown Augusta. The race will finish on Broad Street at Augusta Common, next to title sponsor ESi’s world headquarters. The event is hosted by the Augusta Sports Council, and race management will be provided by World Triathlon Corporation.

Athlete check-in and the Ironman 70.3 Village will be open on Friday, September 28 from 12:00-7:00 pm and Saturday, September 29 from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. The Ironman 70.3 Village features the Ironman merchandise shop as well as health and fitness vendors, and is free and open to the public. Spectators are also invited to join in the finish line celebration on Sunday, September 3 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm at Augusta Common. The community is also encouraged to volunteer, as more than 1,100 volunteers will be needed to produce a successful race.

For more information about the ESi Ironman 70.3 Augusta, or to volunteer, please visit www.ironmanaugusta.com.