ARIZONA Scottsdale La Posada Resort is being converted into a new Andalusian-style resort and spa. When finished in the fall 2006, it will feature 157 guest rooms and a new 31,000-sf spa. The property will sell 66 luxury suites, 24 cabana casitas, and 34 luxury villas to be separately owned but managed by the resort and used by guests. The 204-room SunBurst Resort completed a $9-million renovation project that includes a new restaurant, upgrades to the resort's guest rooms, 14,000 sf of meeting space, public areas and pool, as well as a new 35,000-sf spa. Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch opened a new restaurant in March. The resort also opened a new 21,000-sf spa in May. Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North has completed a series of enhancements, including the new Ironwood Ballroom, two outdoor function areas, and three executive meeting rooms which totals 36,000 sf of meeting space.
CALIFORNIA Los Angeles The Park Hyatt Los Angeles has debuted its new spa, KARA that features roughly 12,000 sf. It also renovated its fitness center, new outdoor infinity pool, and its 2,000 sf of meeting space. Santa Clara Plans continue to move forward on the planned expansion of the Santa Clara Convention Center. An additional 24,000 sf of ballroom space will be added to the Center's existing 262,000 sf. Construction is anticipated in 2005-06 and total costs are estimated at $16.8 million. Santa Monica Following a $12-million interior redesign, the 188-room Huntley Hotel will relaunch as a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide this spring. The Four Points by Sheraton, Santa Monica has completed its final phase of its major $11-million renovation project. The hotel is being upgraded to a full-service, luxury four-star Sheraton hotel and renamed the Sheraton Delfina. Bungalows at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel has completed a $1-million renovation, representing the final phase of the Fairmont Miramar's five-year, $18-million refurbishment. All 32 bungalows were remodeled individually and retain the spacious patios and terraces, hardwood floors, oversized tubs, and French windows. The 350-room Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel opened a new fine dining establishment in Feb called Ocean and Vine. The 122-room Best Western Gateway Hotel is in the process of updating its guest rooms and will be finished by the end of the year. Ventura Ventura's seaside 280-room Holiday Inn will become a Crowne Plaza this summer. The property has renovated all guest rooms, 20 suites and more than 16,500 sf of meeting space. Yountville The Vintage Estate in Napa Valley will debut this August its new 16,000-sf outdoor special event and meeting venue.
COLORADO Boulder The 200-room St. Julien Hotel and Spa opened its doors in Mar, featuring a 10,000-sf spa and fitness center.
HAWAII Norwegian Cruise Line began construction of the Pride of Hawaii in Germany. It will be the third vessel introduced to it's Hawaii service. Pride of Aloha began sailing in summer 2004 and Pride of America is due here this June. Pride of Hawaii expects to be in full service by spring 2006. Oahu Ko Olina Resort & Marina has announced plans for a $1-billion interactive aquarium and 25-acre, 1,000-room resort. The project will be renamed The Grand Ko Olina Resort Hotel & Spa and will follow in the themes of Atlantis Resort and Discovery Cove. It includes an oceanfront hotel condo, time shares, and a Hawaiian village surrounding a swim-through lagoon and separate shark tank. The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa is undergoing guest-room renovations in both "Ewa" and "Diamond Head" towers. The Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio hotel is undergoing a $38.1-million, Phase III renovation, slated for completion in 2005. Renovations on the lobby, pool deck, and the ballroom have already been completed. Construction is under way in Waikiki on the $460-million Waikiki Beach Walk project, which consists of converting 7.9 acres of land into 100,000 sf of retail and entertainment space, including a time-share hotel and two condo hotels. Kauai The 311-room Courtyard by Marriott Kauai at Waipouli Beach made its debut in Hawaii in Feb. The resort went through a multimillion-dollar renovation that included newly designed guest rooms and suites, and new public areas.