WHITE PLAINS, NY--Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. [NYSE: HOT] announced the arrival of modern luxury in Charlotte, N.C., as The Westin Charlotte celebrates its grand opening today.
Designed by internationally renowned architect John Portman and featuring contemporary, high-tech design in both its aesthetic and functional details, the newly built 700-room hotel will be a key component to attracting additional tourism to Charlotte's Uptown district. The hotel is owned by Portman Holdings, L.P., and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts under its Westin Hotels & Resorts brand.
Located in Charlotte's burgeoning business and entertainment district and adjacent to the Charlotte Convention Center, The Westin Charlotte is the city's newest, most luxurious hotel. All of the hotel's guest rooms and suites feature the brand's signature Heavenly Bed(R), Heavenly Bath(R) and numerous other guest amenities including Westin Service Express(R), Westin One Call(R) and Westin Workout(SM).
With more than 44,000 square feet of convention facilities boasting the city's largest hotel ballroom at 16,276 square feet, The Westin Charlotte will play a dominant role in the city's ability to attract large meetings and conventions. High-speed Internet access is offered in all guest rooms and meeting spaces.
"Charlotte is an important travel market for Westin. It attracts both leisure and business travelers as one of the Southeast's major business, financial and cultural centers," said Sue Brush, senior vice president of Westin Hotels & Resorts, North America.
The centerpiece of the hotel lobby is an exquisitely designed chandelier named "Aspiration" created for the hotel by Portman. "Charlotte is ready to leap forward," Portman said. "I designed and named this piece in recognition of Charlotte's great aspirations."
The chandelier, truly a sight to behold, is constructed of stainless steel and Crystal Ice acrylic shingles. Other custom art pieces in the hotel designed by Portman include "Nocturne," a painting that hangs in the lobby, and "Trolley Lines," a large mural that will decorate the hotel's trolley stop located on the second level.
In addition to its unique design elements, the hotel also features "fire and ice," a unique food and beverage outlet theme. With "fire" at the Ember Grille restaurant and "ice" at Bar10, the hotel intends to attract local patrons as well as hotel guests. Ember Grille, with an open kitchen and outdoor terrace, has an eclectic menu with a fiery wood-burning oven and rotisserie. Bar10 lies alongside a soothing waterscape and offers a relaxing atmosphere and light fare.
Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
