Worcester's Crowne Undertakes Renovation
For business travelers far from home, the prospect of meeting colleagues at a convention or giving an important presentation after spending the night in a strange environment can be daunting.
But those staying at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Worcester will soon be able to prepare for the challenges ahead in a more relaxing environment.
A makeover now underway at the hotel will modernize more than half of its guest rooms, creating a new look as well as touches like 32-inch, high-definition flat screen televisions and hookups for mp3 players.
“They’ll have a better meeting the next day,” said General Manager Howard Sobel.
New Looks
The $3 to $4 million project also includes the makeover of three suites and the ninth-floor concierge lounge.
The lounge, which offers special personalized services for “concierge-level” guests, will gain two large flat-screen televisions and new buffets.
Sobel said the makeover should be complete in July, but it’s just the first phase in a series of improvements designed to modernize the entire hotel. Altogether, the Crowne Plaza has 243 rooms. Sobel said he doesn’t have a specific timeline for finishing the entire project, but it will move forward at an appropriate rate to make sure guests aren’t disturbed.
The decision by hotel owner Lodgian Inc. to make the renovations represents a vote of confidence in the city, Sobel said.
“Lodgian thinks Worcester is growing, good things are happening,” he said. “It’s showing our commitment to Worcester because of the way we feel Worcester is going.”
Already, the Crowne Plaza does good business with business travelers, hosting many of the conventions that come to the city and offering negotiated rates for local companies’ guests. Its “sleep advantage” program takes the need for rest seriously, with amenities like blackout drapes, night lights and lavender sprays. The concierge floor, with key access only, provides a fancy complementary continental breakfast, hot hors d’oeuvres in the evenings and staff standing ready to print boarding passes and arrange reservations at local restaurants.
Sobel said the makeover simply reflects the need to modernize appearances every so often. He said the specific changes included, and the particular focus on improving guest rooms, are the result of popular demand.
“This is what our guests have been telling us,” he said. “We’re listening to them.”
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