ATLANTA—Little Rock officials celebrated the city’s newest Marriott Hotels and Resorts property, the 418-room Little Rock Marriott in downtown Little Rock, Ark. To commemorate the event, the hotel hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with community and business leaders. The hotel, operated by Davidson Hotels and Resorts and owned by an affiliate of Fairwood Capital, will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation of all guestrooms and public spaces starting in early 2014.
“The addition of the Marriott Hotels & Resorts flag, along with its associated accommodations, amenities and reservation system, will better position our hotel to meet the needs and demands of both business and leisure travelers seeking upscale accommodations in the area,” said Bill Fontes, general manager. “We are the only full-service Marriott hotel in Arkansas which we believe gives us a significant competitive advantage.”
Attendees included Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola, members of the Little Rock Board of Directors and Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as a number of other civic and business leaders. Also in attendance were George Katz, regional vice president, and Kathy Hood, vice president of sales and revenue management from Davidson Hotels and Resorts, as well as Ed Ansbro, executive vice president and Tom Defreece, vice president & controller from Fairwood Capital.
The property offers 418 guest rooms, 40,000 square feet of meeting and ballroom space, a restaurant, lounge, and lobby bar.
“Little Rock is a regional magnet for business, meetings/convention and leisure travel,” said Ted Arps, senior vice president, investment management, with Davidson Hotels and Resorts. “After a thorough review of the market, we worked closely with Fairwood to select the best brand to reposition this hotel. The Marriott flag brings instant credibility to a great hotel and location, and we intend to provide the guest service and attention to detail for which both Marriot and Little Rock are well-known.”n.”
