Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/4253
Black Meetings & Tourism October/November 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 21 travelers," said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Brand Delivery, the Americas, IHG. "There are several major employers in the area that will benefit from the meetings-savvy products and services that only a Crowne Plaza can provide." Renovations for this property included all 300 guest rooms and suites, the addition of 22 new meeting rooms encompassing over 22,000 sq. ft. of versatile meeting space, the brand new TEN15 Elm restaurant, and high energy nightclub, THRIVE. The hotel will feature a comprehensive meetings program to ensure a seamless planning process and exceptional meeting experience con- sisting of three key components: a Two-Hour Response Guarantee, Crowne Meetings Director and a Daily Meetings Debrief. The hotel features meeting, banquet, wedding and exhibition space accommodating groups of up to 2,000 people. The 23-story Crowne Plaza offers a variety of amenities, including a business center, fitness center, and a ninth floor roof top pool oasis with panoramic views of downtown's skyline. The new Ten15 Elm restaurant provides out-of-town guests and local residents a sophisticated and unique dining experience led by Dallas Chef Brian Litolff. The new addition of THRIVE to the Crowne Plaza Downtown Dallas Hotel adds a high-energy atmosphere and ele- ment of luxury to the Dallas nightlife experience. The nightclub will feature local and celebrity DJs entertaining patrons while they enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, the custom dance floor and the VIP lounge area. Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, the hotel offers a preeminent location proximate to the Historic West End District and the booming Uptown area. The property is in walking distance of major attractions, including the Dallas Convention Center, American Airlines Center, The House of Blues and Dallas Aquarium. For reservations at Crowne Plaza properties, visit www.crowneplaza.com or call 1-800-2CROWNE. BENCHMARK HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL ASSUMES MANAGEMENT OF RESORT IN MAKENA, MAUI Benchmark Hospitality International ushers in a new era for the Makena district of Maui, having been appointed as the management company for the sole hotel property in the Makena resort area. Benchmark announced the property's new name is Makena Beach & Golf Resort, which highlights its ideal location. Benchmark Hospitality, appointed as management company for the resort in September, also operates Turtle Bay Resort, the land- mark property on Oahu's North Shore. "We are so pleased to bring a fresh start to this wonderful resort located in this remarkable region of Maui," stated Burt Cabañas, chairman and CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International. "Makena's history dates to ancient Hawaii and we celebrate and high- light this rich heritage with the resort's new name." "Our goal is to provide a seamless change-over for all parties - involved," stated Bob Boyle, vice president and regional director of operations for Benchmark Hospitality, who will oversee the property in addition to Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu. "We want this to be a cel- ebration of renewal for the resort." The Makena resort area is situated on the southern shore of Maui in the Makena district of the island. The property commands sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as vistas of Makena's diverse landscape and Mount Haleakala. Makena Beach & Golf Resort's 310 guestrooms, each featuring private lanais, are complemented with exceptional resort amenities and dining opportunities. The property is ideally designed to comfortably accommodate leisure travelers, as well as special event celebrations, weddings, and corporate meetings Benchmark Hospitality International brings recognized and award-winning expertise in all areas of luxury hospitality, including corporate meetings and social gatherings. The resort is 30 minutes from Maui's Kahului Airport. Separating Makena Beach & Golf Resort from the azure waters of the Pacific is a vast white sand beach, which is ideal for sunbathing, leisurely strolls, beachcombing and viewing Maui's spectacular ocean vistas. Water sports abound at the resort, along with exceptional tennis facilities. The resort features championship golf on the acclaimed Makena Golf Course, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr., 18-hole course that runs along the Pacific coastline, adjacent to the hotel. Golfers and resort guests can further develop their skills at the property's Golf Academy, which provides instruction for all skill levels. For more information on Makena Beach & Golf Resort and for reservations call (800) 368-8444 or (808) 874-1111, or visit www.makenaresortmaui.com