Fresno Holiday Inn Announces Renovation

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. October 14, 2008

AUGUST 13, 2008. Taking a pivotal role in the revitalization of a historic California neighborhood, the Holiday Inn Fresno Downtown opened its doors on May 28 with a grand opening celebration announcing their 6.5 million-dollar renovation and position as the center of the downtown redevelopment.

"To be part of the resurgence of any downtown city in America is an incredible opportunity," says Robert Van Orden, the hotel's General Manager. "The pride we share as a team to have resurrected this hotel here in the beautiful Central Valley of California is truly magnificent."

Packard Hospitality Group, LLC renovated and now manages this 200-room downtown hotel. The property features nearly 10,000 square feet of design-smart, well-appointed event space. Guest rooms have been thoughtfully outfitted with wired and wireless Internet, a comfortable workstation with ergonomic seating, swiveling flat screen television and a sitting area with custom-designed seating.

"We are thrilled to welcome the Holiday Inn Fresno Downtown to the Holiday Inn family of hotels. Holiday Inn hotels are specifically designed for business and family oriented leisure travelers in need of a full-service lodging experience, and this property fits well within that offering," said John Merkin, senior vice president, Brand Management, Holiday Inn Brands, The Americas. "Development in Fresno is key in expanding our Holiday Inn consumer base and growing an even stronger presence across the Americas ."

From the moment guests enter the lobby, pleasing blends of contemporary and natural elements of design are everywhere. A soothing yet inspiring sense of California sophistication welcomes visitors inside and unique conversation coves beckon guests to stay awhile to enjoy associates, friends and family. Options for dining and entertaining include Caf'e 1055 with a convenient lobby location and the cool Downtown Sports Bar and the hip, newly-redesigned Sky Room Lounge - appropriately located on the top floor of the hotel and offering expansive panoramic views of the Central Valley and the Sierras.

Michael Goldstein, President of Packard Hospitality Group, LLC was committed to resurrecting the Sky Room Lounge as a sincere expression of partnership to the local community. Once a renowned gathering place for Fresno's residents, visitors and local movers and shakers, the Sky Room Lounge is certain to be Fresno's new longtime favorite hot spot once again.

"During the renovation, it was important to us to hold on to and enhance the original charm of the property," Goldstein says. "We wanted the hotel to integrate seamlessly back into the neighborhood, and be cornerstone to the redevelopment project."

The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Fresno, just steps from Chukchansi Park, home of the Fresno Grizzlies - the AAA affiliate of the San Francisco Giants - and a few short blocks from Selland Arena, home of the Fresno Falcons hockey team. Fresno/Yosemite International Airport is just seven miles away. Meeting and Event Planners will earn Holiday Inn Priority Club(R) Meeting Reward Points when they book their event at the Holiday Inn Downtown Fresno.

"I couldn't be more pleased with the results of this project" states Sam Chang of McSam Hotels, owner of the property. "We are so proud of the contribution this remarkable hotel has made to the resurgence of Downtown Fresno"

"The addition of the Holiday Inn Fresno Downtown provides the Convention & Visitors Bureau with much needed additional hotel and meeting space for our tourists and convention attendees," says CVB President and CEO, Laura L. Whitehouse. "With the renovation of this remarkable property, the Holiday Inn is helping to fulfill the vision of a thriving and vital downtown Fresno."