Howard Johnson Conference Center Gets a Facelift
August 3, 2011 - Aiming to increase occupancy with both business and leisure travelers, the newly renamed Howard Johnson Conference Center has begun a major renovation, led by the hotel's new owner, TJM Properties, and its new management company, Southwind Hospitality.
The 114-room hotel property, which also includes its Coconuts Lounge restaurant, catering facilities and conference center space, was formerly called the Howard Johnson Executive Center. As part of the upgrades being done by Clearwater, Fla.-based TJM, the property at 939 W Robson Street, off I-4 and U.S. 98, is getting new paint, carpeting, signage, furniture and landscaping, along with a resurfaced parking lot. As the improvements are finished and business improves, the company plans to eventually hire up to 12 new employees in such roles as servers, cooks and housekeepers.
“We are excited about the opportunity to be part of the rebranding and renovations of the Howard Johnson Conference Center,” said Gilles Arditi, President of Southwind Hospitality, an Indian Shores, Fla.-based hotel management company that specializes in improving performance, even in this difficult economy. “We see tremendous potential for the property, with an excellent location that fits the needs of the Lakeland business community and area leisure travelers.”
Southwind will be raising the Howard Johnson Conference Center's profile on a wide variety of e-commerce sites, targeting visitors to Legoland (http://florida.legoland.com/) and freshwater fishing enthusiasts, as several examples. Also, TJM intends to get involved in the Lakeland business community, spreading the word on the hotel's conference and business facilities.
About TJM Properties:
TJM Properties, based in Clearwater, Fla., acquires, manages, brokers and develops real estate ranging from senior-living facilities to single-family homes, downtown buildings and hotels around Florida. Among its holdings in the Lakeland area are the Lake Morton Plaza, an independent and assisted-living facility in Lakeland, and the Spring Haven Retirement Community in Winter Haven. For more information, see www.tjmproperties.us.
About Southwind Hospitality:
Southwind Hospitality, based in Indian Shores, Fla., is a full-service hotel management and consulting company that specializes in quickly turning around underperforming properties. The company has deep understanding of sales, marketing, e-commerce, front desk operations, food/beverage services, and all management issues for both branded and non-branded properties. For more information, please see www.southwindhospitality.com.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
