ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. (Feb. 6, 2012) ― Downtown St. Petersburg's Hampton Inn & Suites has completed a $500,000 renovation project and retained a new management company, Highpointe Hotel Corporation. Highpointe's contract began January 1, 2012.
 
The Hampton Inn & Suites renovated its entire first floor public area, incorporating the brand's "Perfect Mix Lobby."   The new lobby concept addresses the guests' needs beyond traditional breakfast hours by creating an atmosphere that facilitates socialization through a mix of seating choices and lighting.   The Hampton commissioned blown glass artwork for the walls and filled large vases with bamboo to fulfill the proprietary artwork and "local flavor" elements of the brand's design. 
 
In addition to its lobby transformation, the Hampton's meeting rooms, prefunction area, public bathrooms and kitchen area were upgraded with new tile, carpet, wall vinyl, paint, furniture, draperies and artwork.    To complement the interior upgrades, the building's exterior received a fresh coat of paint for the New Year.
 
JMC Communities developed the Hampton, which opened in 2003.  Lindsay, Pope, Brayfield, Clifford and Associates out of Lawrenceville, Georgia was the original design firm of the Hampton Inn & Suites.  The firm specializes in architecture, engineering and full service interior design with experience in hotels, retail, fire stations, schools and libraries.  Interior Designer Andrea Finger, a six year member of LPBC's staff, has overseen the recent interior renovation of the public spaces throughout the hotel.  Pinkerton and Laws was the general contractor for the lobby renovations.
 
"We are thrilled with the results of the renovations, from both the design work and the construction quality," stated Mike Cheezem, CEO of JMC Communities.  "We also are excited about partnering with Highpointe Hotels in operating this beautiful hotel located in the heart of St. Petersburg."

About the Hampton Inn & Suites in Downtown St. Petersburg
Located at 80 Beach Drive Northeast in the heart of pedestrian-friendly downtown St. Petersburg overlooking Tampa Bay, the 65,978 square foot hotel has 91 guest rooms, of which 30 are suites.  Amenities include 1,600 square feet of meeting space, a complimentary hot breakfast bar, Jump Start Fitness room, and heated outdoor pool. Spacious guest rooms include high-definition LCD televisions, mini refrigerators, microwaves and DVD players.  For business travelers, rooms also feature work desks and ergonomic chairs along with a lap desk and free high-speed internet access.

Most members of the hotel's senior management, including Karl Johansson, General Manager, have been with the property since its opening, and Chi Nguyen has recently joined the team as Sales Manager.

About Highpointe Hotel Corporation
Based in Gulf Breeze, Fla., Highpointe Hotel Corporation is an award-winning, full-service hotel management and development company specializing in downtown hotels.  The company, founded by Darryl Lapointe, Dave Cleveland and Bob Cleveland in 1982, provides professional management services for third-party investors and its own portfolio, employs approximately 500 people companywide, and currently operates 15 hotels in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.  For more information, please see www.highpointe.com/flash.html

The hotel can be reached directly at 727-892-9900.  For reservations, please visit us online at http://www.stpetehamptonsuites.com/reservations.php.