MELVILLE/LONG ISLAND, N.Y.,/SEATTLE, Wash. (October 18, 2012)— The Dow Hotel Company (DHC), a hotel owner/investor and management company, today announced the completion of a $16 million renovation of the 304-room Hilton Long Island/Huntington in Melville, N.Y.  Owned in a joint venture between DHC and Prudential Real Estate Investors, the hotel is operated by DHC, which also oversaw the enhancement program. The total makeover of the hotel included upgrading hotel rooms, corridors and public spaces, as well as the addition a new lobby and restaurant, with a new steakhouse planned for a fourth quarter 2012.

“In this recent extended economic downturn, many hotels struggled to maintain brand standards and their competitiveness due to the lack of financing, causing a downward spiral,” said Murray Dow, chief executive officer of The Dow Hotel Company.  “As the hotel economy recovers, many of these hotels are being acquired to breathe new life into them.  This is creating more jobs and providing hotel guests with a much higher quality hotel experience. 

“This hotel is the third major turn-around project we’ve undertaken this year,” he said.  “The key is to renovate smartly in sync with local market demands and reposition the hotel to attract both former and new guests.”

Dow noted that the hotel was in need of a major make-over when it was acquired in the summer of 2011.  “We did an extensive study of the market and found a major need for a quality meeting/convention and social event hotel, as well as one that met the demands of business and leisure travelers in this growing market.   We restored the hotel by virtually taking it back to the walls and rebuilding it to ‘like new’ condition.  The effect has been dramatic, and we already are seeing a substantial rise in occupancy.”

The comprehensive renovation included virtually all aspects of the hotel’s interior.  The lobby was completely made over and now boasts a brand new front desk and state-of-the-art business center, as well as upgraded high-speed Internet service.  All guest rooms, suites and corridors were enhanced to meet the expectations of Hilton guests, including new hard and soft goods, such as new carpeting, bedding, beds, furniture and artwork. Additionally, the executive lounge was upgraded to incorporate a private business center, specialty coffee offerings and a fresh new look. 

Located at 598 Broad Hollow Rd., in the heart of Melville’s business district on the Interstate 110 corridor, the property is just 45 minutes from JFK airport, with convenient proximity to New York City and the Hamptons.  The full-service hotel features several resort amenities, including both indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, men’s and women’s saunas and tennis courts.

At 26,000 square feet, the hotel boasts the most meeting and banquet space on Long Island, and the area’s largest ballroom, a two-story  event space with a built-in bar and dance floor.   The ballroom and meeting space have been completely updated with enhanced internet connectivity for meetings and stylish new carpet, wall covering and lighting.  The hotel can serve groups and social events ranging from five to 1,200 people.  

In addition to the hotel’s indoor and outdoor pools and tennis courts, guests can work out in a totally revamped fitness center outfitted with state-of-the-art Precor gym equipment. 

Both guests and locals now can enjoy freshly-prepared, contemporary Mediterranean cuisine at the brand new Basil’s Bistro, a DHC concept restaurant featuring half plates and a casual yet upscale atmosphere.  The new Basil’s ounge, a welcoming happy hour location that invites impromptu gatherings and conversation, pours world-class wines and hand-crafted cocktails daily.  For those on the go, Sound Brew offers locally-roasted coffee, fresh-baked pastries, bagels, sandwiches, wraps and other good food custom-prepared quickly.  Masterson’s, DHC’s newest dining-concept, slated for a 2012 fourth quarter opening, will work closely with area farmers to obtain the freshest local ingredients for the hotel’s menu and also source the globe for the highest quality possible.  Masterson’s will feature prime, dry-aged steaks and local seafood. 

“With the completion of the multi-million dollar renovation, the only full-service Hilton on Long Island clearly stands apart as the area’s leading business leisure hotel,” said Ellen Ruane, general manager.  “From our new lobby to the completely refurbished guest rooms and all points in-between, guests immediately realize the extent of our commitment to their comfort.  Everywhere you look, it is evident that there was a considerable investment of time, effort and capital put into this project.”

About The Dow Hotel Company
Founded in 1997, Seattle-based The Dow Hotel Company is a hotel owner/investor and operator of 11 first-class, full-service hotels with properties throughout the United States.  The company’s portfolio of owned and managed properties consists of institutional-grade hotels, under such brands as Marriott, Hilton, Embassy Suites, Doubletree, Sheraton, and Crowne Plaza.  The company aggressively seeks to acquire, co-invest with joint venture partners and/or manage mid- to large-size, first-class, full-service hotels, especially those with extensive food and beverage capabilities.

The company currently operates 14 food and beverage facilities, ranging from casual dining to upscale, bars/lounges with Starbuck and Tully’s coffee outlets.  In addition to Basil’s Kitchen, the division’s restaurant concepts include SunSpot, BC Bistro, and Basil’s Bistro.  Additional information about The Dow Hotel Company may be found at www.dowhotelco.com.