John Q.
Hammons Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of the $25
million, 138-room Courtyard by Marriott Fort Smith Downtown in Arkansas.The upscale, contemporary-style
property is owned by Mr. John Q. Hammons and managed by John Q. Hammons
Hotels & Resorts, LLC, the nation’s leading independent builder,
developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service, hotels, resorts and
suites ( www.jqhhotels.com ).
The first hotel guest, Mark T. Roberson, a Marriott Rewards member from
Minnesota, received a ceremonial key to the property. Hotel staff enjoyed
an impressive celebratory meal and related festivities to culminate their
many months of hard work leading to a highly successful opening. Formal
grand opening activities are expected in February 2007.
Courtyard by Marriott Fort Smith Downtown opens on the heels of a
revitalization of the downtown community. Conveniently located at 900
Rogers Ave., the hotel is one block south from the Fort Smith Convention
Center, which recently completed a multi-million dollar expansion. In
addition to the convention center’s improvements, the Riverfront
Development and Garrison Avenue also underwent renovations, combining for
a total project cost of $55 million.
“Fort Smith’s wonderful downtown community and revitalization make this an
opportune time to debut a quality, full-service hotel,” said Mr. Hammons,
founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels &
Resorts, LLC. “We’re confident the hotel will help attract more
association and religious-circuit group business to the Fort Smith,
Northwest Arkansas and Little Rock area.”
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