Renovations Completion at Tutwiler Hotel
FEBRUARY 9, 2007. The Tutwiler Hotel, Birmingham's historic downtown hotel, is set to complete its full-scale restoration in late March. To date, the hotel has completed restoration of its historic exterior as well as completely rebuilt approximately 100 of its 149 rooms.
The hotel's signature restaurant, Icon Restaurant and Bar, will open in February. Renovations will continue in the lobby areas, meeting rooms and ballrooms once guest rooms are complete. Though the rooms are being stripped to their frame, their architecture and character will remain true to the building's historic spirit.
"The Tutwiler will soon be a brand new hotel," said William Murray, president of Integral Hospitality Solutions which took over ownership of the hotel in March of 2006. "In addition to completely new guest rooms we will have a breakfast room with a view of the city, a new business center and a fitness center."
The Tutwiler is also adding several corporate suites on its top floor. Businesses with frequent Birmingham visitors will be able to enter into an annual agreement to have their corporate suite available at any point with a three-day notice.
In total, Integral Hospitality will invest more than $9 million in the hotel's restoration. "This hotel is an important part of Birmingham's history, and this investment will ensure that The Tutwiler remains instrumental in the future of the city," Murray said.
While renovations continue, The Tutwiler is also working to build the best service team in Birmingham. Murray brought in hospitality training and management expert Kay French to develop and launch The Tutwiler's new "Make It Happen" program. The program includes employee certification in various areas of service and new technology to alert the general manager when service requests are not met within five minutes. Another feature is a "mission control" room where staff members monitor all guest requests and dispatch team members to handle guests' needs as well as prepare a special welcome for all arriving guests.
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 
