ROANOKE, Va.—The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, with history dating back more than 130 years, has announced it will join Curio—A Collection by Hilton as the brand’s first hotel in Virginia on Feb. 28.
The fully-restored hotel—managed by Benchmark Resorts & Hotels and owned by Virginia Tech Real Estate Foundation – features local history throughout, and is connected to a state-of-the-art, 63,000-square-foot conference center.
“As a landmark with deep roots in the Roanoke community, this magnificent hotel perfectly embodies the Curio spirit of individuality and authenticity,” said Dianna Vaughan, global head, Curio—A Collection by Hilton. “With its adjoining conference center, easy downtown access and ideal location within the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains region, The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center is an ideal choice for business and leisure guests.”
Originally built in 1882, the Tudor-style Hotel Roanoke retains aspects of the 1939 reconstruction, including marble floors and walnut paneling. Other unique hotel features include decorative murals of historical Virginia events and artwork from local and regional artists. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the hotel is also part of Historic Hotels of America and has hosted notable celebrities and dignitaries for well over a century.
The hotel, formerly a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel property, features 330 luxuriously appointed guest rooms designed for today’s modern traveler. The hotel’s long-time General Manager, Gary Walton, will continue to lead the property’s current staff of dedicated team members who have a strong sense of pride for their excellence in service.
Features and amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, large flat-screen HDTVs, and a coffeemaker with gourmet coffee and tea. The hotel also offers a variety of spacious suites—ranging from the Hospitality Suite, which is perfect for entertaining, to the 1,680-square-foot Governor’s Suite on the top floor, with a private rooftop terrace and a working fireplace.
Additional highlights include valet parking, complimentary shuttle service, a sundry shop and an electric vehicle charging station complimentary for the public and guests. The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center also boasts a fitness center with state-of-the-art Life Fitness aerobic and weight training equipment and a 24-hour business center. The hotel offers in-room spa services and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a year-round hot tub.
The announcement comes on the heels of region-wide, record-breaking occupancy rates recently announced by the Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau and experienced by The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. Virginia’s Blue Ridge region is poised to become the metro-mountain travel destination of the East and, as a part of Curio—A Collection by Hilton, The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center will continue to serve as the welcoming embrace to visitors from around the world.
“This storied hotel offers the perfect blend of history, exceptional hospitality, Benchmark’s reputation as a global leader in the operation of first rate hotel & conference centers, and the worldwide reputation for excellence of Hilton,” said Alex Cabañas, chief executive officer of Benchmark Hospitality International.
Comprehensive upgrades and renovations on all guest rooms are currently underway or are already complete and being strategically implemented to ensure there are no disruptions for guests. Taking care to respect The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center’s historic significance, renovations will reestablish the structure. Work is expected to be finished by Q3 of this year.
With more than 63,000 square feet of flexible conference and event space, The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center can accommodate events for more than 1,200 guests. Highlights of the high-tech facility include a beautiful garden courtyard, the more than 14,000-square-foot Roanoke Ballroom, a state-of-the-art theater and the 5,000-square-foot Crystal Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 450 guests for a wedding reception or event. In addition to a variety of customized catering options that can be designed for an event of any size, the conference center features a full-service Business Center with extensive onsite support, including computer and administrative services.
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center’s dining options capture the heart and spirit of the region thanks to fresh local ingredients and the skilled guidance of Executive Chef Stephen DeMarco. The Regency Room—featuring award-winning French-inspired Southern cuisine—dates back to 1938 and has been an icon of the Roanoke social and culture experience. For guests looking to relax in a distinguished atmosphere—complete with a fireplace and billiards—The Pine Room Pub offers a lighter menu during the evening hours.
