Houston, TX (PRWEB) February 10, 2011 - Guests checking into the Houston Marriott West Loop by The Galleria Hotel – a Marriott property located within blocks of restaurants and retail in the Uptown Park and Galleria shopping areas – will receive an immediate upgrade as the hotel celebrates the completion of the first phase of an $18 million renovation.

The first stage of a three-part renovation process includes a makeover of the hotel’s 301 guest rooms, Concierge Lounge, Fitness Center, the hotel’s fire and life safety system and Internet capabilities.

“The hotel has always had a great location near The Galleria and some of Houston’s finest restaurants,” says David Cronin, general manager of the Houston Marriott West Loop by The Galleria. “This renovation reflects our continued commitment to providing outstanding amenities and services to our guests. The upgrades will enhance our guest’s experience when staying with us, and serve to reinforce Marriott’s commitment to excellence within the hospitality industry.”

All of the Houston Galleria hotel’s guest rooms have been gutted and completely redone. Guest room renovations consist of cosmetic changes as well as technical upgrades. Cosmetic changes include brand new carpet, furniture and bedding, from mattresses to throw pillows. Technical guest room upgrades include large flat-screen televisions, DS3 wireless and wired Internet capabilities, and large safety deposit boxes.

“Remote Jack Pack Units” were also installed in the guest rooms. These units consist of multiple interfaces that enable guests to connect electronic devices, such as laptops, to the in-room television, creating a split-screen display. Guests can now relax and watch their favorite program while wrapping up the day’s work. These amenities come together to create “the room that works.” In addition, the hotel’s wireless network is now complimentary in all public areas.

The new Concierge Lounge, which Cronin says has already received high praise from hotel guests, is nearly twice its original size. The lounge is open all day and hotel staff members are on hand in the morning and evening where an extended continental breakfast, or hors d’oeuvres and appetizers are served.

The Fitness Center features Life Fitness equipment, including treadmills, – each with a personal television monitor – a cable-motion machine, free weights and balance balls. The indoor heated pool area has also been resurfaced and repainted.

In addition, the fire and life safety system has been upgraded with the latest technology.

The entire renovation will consist of three phases, and is projected to be completed in 2013. The next two phases will include renovations in the lobby area – part of the Marriott’s “Lobby Reinvented” initiative – and the hotel’s 17,000 square feet of meeting space.

Amenities the hotel will continue to offer guests include:

• Full-service planning and execution of meetings and special events in up to 14 meeting spaces, 13 breakout rooms, two ballrooms and the Glass Palace with the ability to accommodate groups of 25 to 500.
• A 24-hour Business Cente.
• Shuttle service within a three-mile radius.
• Complimentary use of a laundry facility located on the premise.
• The option for women to valet park at the self-parking rate.

Houston was recently named one of Budget Travel’s “Top Budget Travel Destinations for 2011,” and was ranked No. 1 on Forbes.com’s list of “The 25 Best Shopping Cities In The U.S.”

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. is a leading lodging company with more than 3,500 lodging properties in 70 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, The Autograph Collection, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; licenses and manages whole-ownership residential brands, including The Ritz-Carlton Residences, JW Marriott Residences and Marriott Residences; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and had approximately 137,000 employees at 2009 year-end. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best companies to work for by FORTUNE, and by Newsweek as one of the greenest big companies in America. In fiscal year 2009, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $11 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at http://www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit http://www.marriottnewscenter.com