Black Meetings and Tourism

Black Meetings & Tourism February/March 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 24 CASAMAGNA MARRIOTT PUERTO VALLARTA RESORT & SPA REVEALS $10.7 MILLION RENOVATION A $10.7 million makeover has transformed CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa into a haven for dis- cerning travelers. The investment boasts upgrades to all guestrooms and suites, common areas, banquet facilities, meeting rooms and the hotel's main restaurant, La Estancia. Situated at the base of the regal Sierra Madre Mountains and Mexico's Banderas Bay, the resort caters to families, couples and groups alike. "I'm delighted with the results of the renovations," stated Dennis Whitelaw, the resort's general manager. "We are com- mitted to delivering an unforgettable vacation experience to our guests, and now we can confidently say that we are offer- ing them the very best!" Enhancements to CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta include: Guestroom and suite upgrades which fuse authentic Mexican design with contemporary style. Enhancements feature new furniture inspired by bold Mexican colors and patterns, freshly painted walls, Mexican-themed art work and newly deco- rated bathrooms. A $1.3 million makeover that revamped and expanded La Estancia, the resort's main restaurant. The restaurant accommo- dates an additional 150 guests, caters to wine enthusiast with a new wine cellar and combines Mexican old world charm with modern style in an open-air kitchen. The redesign was led by architect Jorge Salazar, a native of nearby Guadalajara. A new menu launched by La Estancia's award-winning Chef Fred Ruiz. The innovative signature dishes satisfy the most dis- cerning pallets with classic regional cuisine. The new menu also boasts revamped signature drinks made with CasaMagna's homegrown proprietary tequila. A $1.2 million facelift to the resort's banquet and meeting facilities that boasts new carpeting, woodwork and uphol- stery, as well as the installation of new lighting and a state-of-the-art audio system. The banquet rooms now feature sleek interior designs with bold colors and sophisticated elements, creating a warm and stylish atmosphere. For additional information please call (888) PARADISE or visit www.puertovallartamarriott.com. H O T E L H O T E L HAPPENINGS CITYCENTER TO DELIVER MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED HOTELS IN U.S. WHEN IT OPENS IN LATE 2009 ARIA Resort & Casino, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and The Harmon Will Be First in Country to Debut Unrivaled Custom Automation by Control4 Providing Guest Experience Unparalleled in Hospitality Industry Upon opening in late 2009, CityCenter will debut the most advanced guestroom technology in the country at ARIA Resort & Casino, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and The Harmon Hotel & Spa. CityCenter collaborated with Control4 Corporation to develop an unsurpassed level of personalized automation for every guestroom, a luxury previously only available in high-end custom homes and select resort suites. Control4's next-generation automation, coupled with CityCenter's ability to network every guestroom device via one gigabit of bandwidth, will deliver an unrivaled guest expe- rience that will become the benchmark for the hospitality industry. From the moment hotel guests arrive at CityCenter, their stay will be intricately choreographed to meet their personal preferences. Smart solutions throughout the guestroom also will enhance the experience. All guestrooms will be net- worked with fiber offering one gigabit of bandwidth, delivering matchless connectivity with both the Internet as well as hotel operations for unequaled guest service. CityCenter's in-room technology will offer a non-obtrusive and easy way to conserve precious resources such as energy and water. "CityCenter is an extraordinary destination designed to exceed expectations in all facets of the development, from architecture and sustainability to public art and amenities," said Bobby Baldwin, president and CEO of CityCenter. "ARIA, Mandarin Oriental and The Harmon will be the first to incorporate the most sophisticated technological advances in the country to ensure the guest experience also surpasses expectations. Guests will enjoy seamless customization and

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