Local Hoteliers Spend More Than $30 million Upgrading Properties

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. Despite the struggling economy, three Valley Forge area hotels are making more than $30 million investments in improvements to their properties.

"To stay competitive nowadays, hotels have to offer guests as up-to-date a product as possible, regardless of the state of the economy," said Paul Decker, president of the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau. He added, "If rates drop universally, as often happens in recessions, then buying decisions are made based on other factors, such as the attractiveness and newness of the facility and individual rooms."

The Radisson Valley Forge, part of the Valley Forge Convention Plaza in King of Prussia, is making in-room upgrades of more than $1.5 million. Forty-four rooms on the hotel's first level, including many of its famed themed rooms, are each undergoing $34,000 improvements. Soon to be converted to executive guestrooms, they'll feature new wall vinyl, carpeting and bedding; bathroom upgrades and 37-inch flat screen LCD televisions. Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access will also be standard.

Dolce Valley Forge, on DeKalb Pike in King of Prussia, recently completed an elaborate $20 million renovation. Formerly a Hilton, then The Inn at Valley Forge, the hotel now boasts 24,000 square-feet of meeting space, 22 conference rooms, 60 executive and luxury suites, and a new 7,200 square-foot ballroom. Its 327 guestrooms have been completely refurbished and new Restaurant THREE01 and T. Burke's lounge, are now open.

Embassy Suites Philadelphia/Valley Forge (formerly Valley Forge Suites), in the Chesterbrook business complex in Wayne, is carrying a new brand flag following an extensive $10 million transformation. Enhancements to the 229-room hotel include a new bar, redesigned restaurant, refurbished suites and redecorated meeting rooms, pool and lobby. Suites now feature pillow-top mattresses, refrigerators, microwaves, wet bar areas and 32-inch flat screen televisions. The property also offers nearly 5,000 square-feet in event space.

"These updates to area lodgings confirm the Valley Forge area hospitality community's strength, diversity and competitiveness and will serve it well, regardless of the economic environment," Decker said. "With two convention center and expo facilities, 14 convention hotels and 13 conference centers, great retail offerings and rich history, all in pleasing suburban settings, it's poised to continue attracting guests from the leisure, corporate and convention and tradeshow markets and delivering significant economic impact to the region."

For information about these and other Valley Forge area hotels or to host a meeting, convention or social event in Montgomery County, Pa., visit www.valleyforge.org.

The Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ltd. is a nonprofit, membership-based sales and marketing organization that aggressively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by encouraging patronage of its 500-plus member hotels, restaurants, attractions and services. The Bureau's Web site, at www.valleyforge.org, serves visitors, meeting planners, tour operators and residents.

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