Chattanooga: Residence Inn seeks conventions

A hotel opening soon in East Brainerd hopes to cater to local gatherings and visiting business executives.

The 3H Group Hotels will open the Residence Inn & Convention Center near Hamilton Place in early June, said regional sales director Diana Tucker. The hotel is at 2340 Center St., located across Lee Highway and Center Street from London’s Jewelers.

“Residence Inn is excellent for extended and short-term stays,” said Rick Seegert, the hotel’s general manager. “Residence Inn is perfect for maintaining a balance of work and life.”

The Residence Inn will target conferences and other business events, as well as receptions, Ms. Tucker said. The hotel has about 4,800 square feet of meeting space, including a 3,800-square-foot ballroom and a boardroom, giving it one of the largest hotel meeting spaces in town, she said. The ballroom can be divided into three spaces.

Officials with the 3H Group believe there is strong demand for reception space despite the recession, Mr. Seegert said. The conference center can seat about 175 people.

The 3H Group officials declined to say what the hotel cost to develop.

The Residence Inn’s convention center includes a full-service kitchen, Mr. Seegert said. There will be a full, complimentary breakfast, as well as a manager’s reception three nights a week, in which executives will be served beer and snacks, he said.

The hotel uses the latest Residence Inn design from Marriott, Ms. Tucker said. Some of the suites have fireplaces. The lobby has three nooks that will have a chair, television and Internet connections for laptops, she said. The hotel will have an indoor swimming pool, fitness center and outside putting green. The hotel has Wi-fi Internet access.

There are 109 suites, with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom designs available, Ms. Tucker said. The suites have kitchens with cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Rent starts at $139 per week.

The hotel will have between 40 to 50 staff, including six managers, Mr. Seegert said.