Mr. John Q. Hammons has announced the opening of his eight-story, 226-suite Embassy
Suites East Peoria - Hotel & Conference Center.The all-suite, contemporary hotel is owned by Mr. Hammons, and the hotel and conference center are managed by Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts
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“This is the first hotel of its kind built in the Peoria area in more than five decades,” said Mr. Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts. “Our booking $3 million in meetings and hotel room reservations revenue prior to opening reinforces East Peoria requires high-quality, full-service accommodations.”

Conveniently located off I-74 and Riverfront Drive, the hotel is surrounded by the spectacular shopping, dining and nightlife of the Peoria RiverFront and is just minutes from area attractions, including O’Brien Field, Central Illinois’ largest outdoor sports and entertainment facility and home to the Peoria Chiefs. The property is approximately eight minutes from the Greater Peoria Regional Airport and is in close proximity to the many corporations and educational institutions in the Peoria area, including the headquarters of Caterpillar Inc., Bradley University, University of Illinois College of Medicine, and Illinois Central College.

“The East Peoria area is well-known for its influential businesses, thriving sports community and skilled work force, of which we have employed more than 200,” said Joe LoMonaco, general manager of the hotel.

The Embassy Suites East Peoria and RiverFront Conference Center are connected by a glass, climate-controlled walkway, together providing more than 35,000 net square feet of flexible meeting space. The hotel is decorated in a Nuevo-classic style, featuring dark olive green décor with vibrant gold and orange accents. Guests can enjoy a variety of contemporary American cuisine at the hotel’s Riverside Café or cocktails in the relaxing atrium lounge, while Caffeina’s, the marketplace café, brews Starbucks coffee and has wireless Internet access.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Hammons’ Embassy Suites East Peoria - Hotel & Conference Center to our city,” said Mayor Dave Mingus. “Its luxury accommodations and high quality of service will establish a new standard for our local hotel industry.”

Hotel staff celebrated the opening with a team rally, culminating their many months of hard work, and the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting at the property.
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