"We are proud to be involved with the opportunity to bring a first-class newly constructed hotel to the Albany market", said Michael V. Harrell, Chairman and CEO of Vista Host. "The hotel is right at the heart of everything that is happening in downtown Albany," commented Harrell. Construction of the Hampton Inn & Suites is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2005. When completed, the hotel will have 118 guestrooms and 47 fully furnished suites. The exterior of the hotel will incorporate architectural features that

Architecture Rendering of Hampton Inn & Suites Albany by Bounds & Gillespie � Memphis, TN

Included in the 10-story, 110,000 square foot building are two meeting rooms and two board rooms, a fitness center with both a sauna and steam room, and a restaurant. The hotel will feature 21st century telecommunications technology with fiber-optic wiring and high-speed internet access that will be complimentary.

First announced in 1999, this project has been on hold since the events of 9/11. Vista Host is partnering with Omni Development of Albany, NY to develop the property. 

Omni�s President, David Swawite, agrees that the downtown location will bode well for the hotel, saying, "When we think of downtown, we think of where businesses want to be, where the action is, and that�s where we develop." Since 1976 Omni has designed, built, and restored commercial properties throughout New York and surrounding states. "We�ve seen a turn-around this year in occupancies and rates across all segments of the hotel industry and believe the timing is right to proceed with this development in Albany," said Harrell.

Hampton Inn & Suites is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation, recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. 

Founded in 1977 by Michael Harrell, Vista Host is a nationally recognized management company committed to achieving superior results in operating hotels from their ability to blend the science of hotel management with the art of hospitality.