In a competitive market where tourism is an increasingly major player in the local economy, it?s important for area hotels to keep up with the changing needs of today?s traveler.
“It?s like anything else ? tastes change, standards change,” said Gail Smith-Howard, the Hyatt Regency Baltimore?s general manager. “You want to make sure your hotel room is nicer than your home.”
That was the idea behind the hotel?s $16 million renovation, which is nearing completion.
As part of the effort, the hotel?s first major renovation initiative in nearly a decade, all 486 guest rooms, including suites, have been updated with what executives call a sophisticated, contemporary look.
The rooms include the Hyatt?s new “Grand Bed,” flat-screen television, high-end linens and window treatments, new furniture and other amenities. The hotel has also resurfaced its tennis and basketball courts, made improvements to its pool area and elevator system, and upgraded its health club with $100,000 worth of new equipment.
“I thinknow it?s much more contemporary,” Smith-Howard said. “It sets us apart from your typical hotel room.”
She said the majority of the rooms are complete and that overall guest feedback has been positive. All rooms and suites are slated for completion by the end of July.
Nancy Hinds, a spokeswoman with the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association, said having modern accommodations the organization can tout is a major plus in attracting both meeting planners and leisure travelers.
“When meeting planners look at a city, they look a the variety of hotel offerings they have,” Hinds said. “A hotel property that is updated and fresh and doesn?t look worn is a very appealing property.”
John Davis, resident manager for the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel, said it was for similar reasons that the Renaissance underwent major renovations in 2003 and is planning an overhaul of its lobby, lounge and restaurant in 2007.
“Customers have lots of choices and the market is competitive,” he said. “For us, providing a product that makes us the first choice for customers coming to Baltimore is very important.”
Space to meet
» Hyatt?s other features include 29,000 square feet of function space, including 14,000 square feet of exhibit space/ballroom. It offers a business center and all guest rooms and public areas offer wireless Internet along with T-1 lines in meeting rooms.
