Hyatt Place Takes Over AmeriSuites

In June 2005, Global Hyatt Corp. acquired the AmeriSuites in Rogers from Prime Hospitality Corp. and began the process of re-branding the 143-unit limited-service hotel chain.

The new Hyatt brand, known as Hyatt Place, features amenities such as 42-inch plasma screen TVs, overstuffed sectional sofas and media centers in the guest rooms, as well as Starbucks coffee and made-to-order food available 24 hours.

The hotel completed its $3 million transformation to a Hyatt Place June 18, said Annette Nichols, director of sales for the hotel. The change involved more than just switching names. All of the rooms were converted to full suites, with king-size beds, refrigerators and walk-in showers. Wireless Internet is available throughout the building.

Major renovations began in January, and were mostly completed by June 1. At one point during the process, the hotel had only 20 rooms open.

Presently, the hotel management is negotiating with liquor permit issues, but within 60 days, the lounge should be serving alcohol.

“Hyatt [corporate] wouldn’t let us turn on the sign or even answer the phone as Hyatt until everything was done,” Nichols said.

Room Revenue Rises 14 Percent

Embassy Suites in Rogers was the big winner in terms of both overall hotel revenue and revenue per room. Embassy’s revenue was up nearly 14 percent from 2005 to 2006, according to the Business Journal‘s annual list of the area’s hotels (p. 28).

Revenue per room at the Embassy was $37,137, up from $32,621 in 2005.

Hilton Garden Inn in Bentonville brought in $30,376 for each of its 133 guest rooms, while Courtyard by Marriott in that city made $26,000 for each of its 90 rooms.

Hampton brand hotels did well in terms of RPR. The Hampton Inn in Fayetteville brought in $25,474 for each of its 95 rooms, while Hampton Inn – Rogers made $24,836 with 122 rooms and Hampton Inn & Suites in Springdale took in $22,941 on each of its 102 rooms.

Several Marriott ventures were also in the top 10 for RPR. Springhill Suites by Marriott in Bentonville saw $24,030 each for 67 rooms, while Residence Inn by Marriott in Springdale, with 72 rooms and Residence Inn by Marriott in Rogers, with 88 rooms tied with $23,977.

The Inn at Carnall Hall on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville made $23,673 on each of its 49 rooms.