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Magna Hospitality Group, L.C. Completing $1 million Refurbishment of the Clarion Hotel & Conference
Center Antietam Creek in Hagerstown, Maryland
Six-Month Makeover of 210 Guest Rooms
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HAGERSTOWN, Md. (March 4, 2005) -- Clarion Hotel & Conference Center Antietam Creek, the largest convention hotel in Hagerstown, Maryland, is stepping to a new level with a $1 million refurbishment that includes major improvements to all 210 guest rooms and suites.  The six-month project, which is being overseen by Smith & Fenimore in Hagerstown, is expected to be completed by late March.

"It's a wonderful feeling to see the project nearing completion," said hotel General Manager Kent Grove.  "We've totally gutted 44 guest rooms and adjacent hallways for complete makeovers, and the remaining 166 guest rooms are receiving major improvements.  Because the project involves a local contractor, it represents a 100-percent infusion of money into the Hagerstown economy."

In anticipation of a grand re-opening in March, hotel officials have unveiled two new show rooms featuring the many improvements guests will experience when they visit the hotel in 2005.  Local business professionals and government officials have been invited to drop by the hotel this month for a grand preview.  The hotel has remained open for business during the refurbishment.

Improvements to the guest rooms, suites and hallways include:

  • New roofing, plumbing and air conditioning and heating (44 guest rooms and adjacent hallways).
  • New textured champagne-colored wallpaper adorned with brass-accented sconces.
  • Teal-colored fine carpeting.
  • New upscale furniture including plush wingback recliners; office desks and work stations; beds with cherry head boards and rich, jewel-toned paisley-patterned bedspreads; and two-toned cherry entertainment centers (amoires) with wardrobe compartments and TV consoles.
  • New microwaves, refrigerators, coffeemakers, irons, ironing boards, and hair dryers.
  • Wired Internet with live wireless cards for laptop computers.
"When you step into one of our two preview show rooms, you feel like you're in a major city like Dallas, Chicago or New York," said Carol Cochran, hotel Director of Sales & Marketing.  "They are absolutely beautiful.  It will definitely enhance the property's reputation, making it the premier hotel in the region for meetings, social gatherings, and leisure."

The lobby, which features a chandelier and large pictures of Washington County's historic sites, is being enhanced with new love seats, wingback chairs, and mahogany tables.  Children of all ages can  enjoy a Fun Zone featuring electronic games and a video arcade. Some guest rooms overlook an indoor courtyard featuring a roof with skylights, a Japanese garden and pond with goldfish, and a large heated swimming pool.

The meetings property, which is owned and managed by Rhode Island-based Magna Hospitality Group, L.C., is re-emerging on sound financial footing with the refurbishment, an increase in the occupancy rate, and a new sales team led by Carol Cochran, a hospitality sales veteran who has headed similar efforts at the AAA Four Diamond Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, Ala.; the acclaimed Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta; and the Tutwiler Hotel, also in Birmingham.  Other members of the sales team are Bonnie Waltman, Director of Group Sales; Helen Arthur, Associate Director of Sales; and Paul McCook, Director of Food & Beverage.

"It's no secret that the hotel has faced a number of financial challenges," Grove added.  "The hotel is making a strong comeback thanks to the support of this wonderful community, the expert know-how and dedication of our employees, and the infusion of new capital by a syndicated group of experienced hotel investors.  We are dedicated to providing the best services and facilities available."

The hotel also features 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; a learning center for self-contained and focused group meetings; an 8,700-square-foot fitness center with certified trainers; free parking with more than 800 spaces; the newly opened Andrews Steak and Seafood Restaurant (featuring Phillips Seafood); and the neon-accented Barracuda dance club. The Magna Center for Executive Learning offers a quiet setting with ergonomic chairs, break-out meeting rooms, and state-of-the-art equipment such as multiple lines with high speed Internet access, a built-in audio/video system, a wireless sound system, flexible lighting, and a user-friendly heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The hotel's gathering space can accommodate groups from 28 to 3,000. Function space ranges from the 15,026-square-foot Grand Ballroom and the 6,552-square-foot Ballroom to the 2,050-square-foot Crystal Ballroom. New silver service (including china and chafing dishes) is available for upscale social events.  Food and beverage preparation is overseen by hotel Executive Chef Mike Mathis.


 
 
Contact:

Chuck Whiting
Whiting Publicity & Promotions
Telephone: 615-242-9857
[email protected]

Carol Cochran
Clarion Hotel & Conference Center Antietam Creek
301-733-5566
[email protected]
 

Also See: Bonnie Waltman, Helen Arthur & Paul McCook Appointed to Executive Positions at The Clarion Hotel & Conference Center Antietam Creek in Hagerstown, Maryland / February 2005
DSRA, LLC. Completes $2 million Renovation of the Former 165-room Howard Johnson Hotel; Rebranded as Clarion Hotel, Chester, Virginia / June 2004
Sunburst Hospitality Completes $6.5 million Renovation on the Former Quality Hotel MainGate; Converts Property to Clarion Anaheim Resort / Mar 2003
After $3 million Renovation the Former Park Plaza Hotel Reflagged as The Clarion Hotel Tampa Westshore / February 2004


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