�We practically built a new hotel for $4 million, and we believe we will see a return on our investment with increased occupancy rates,� said Greg McKenna, director of sales and marketing of the Embassy Suites Hotel DIA-Gateway.

The hotel began exterior renovations in August 2001 and replaced the roof, painted the outside walls and added new lighting around the building and throughout the landscaping. Extensive interior renovations, which started in October, completely refurbished the hotel and provided a fresh, modern look to the suites, conference facilities, amenities, lobby and other public spaces.
Interior renovations include:

• Suites - All of the hotel's suites were completely stripped to the bare walls and updated with new carpeting, wallpaper, paint, lighting, furniture and decor accessories like lamps, wall art and bedspreads. The suites also were outfitted with new bath tubs, tile and bathroom countertops. The hotel's 12 executive conference suites also were gutted and updated, and now include new conference tables, white boards, wet bars and television armoires. 

• Conference Facilities -  The hotel's 5,600 square feet of conference space received new carpeting, wallpaper, paint and furniture. The hotel also added ISDN lines for high-speed Internet access. 

• Amenities - Embassy Suites Hotel DIA-Gateway added several amenities aimed at the corporate traveler, including a business center that provides complimentary services such as photocopies, e-mail, Internet access and faxes, as well as a new 24-hour corporate gift shop that offers microwaveable food and travel accessories. 

• Restaurant renovation -  the 100-person restaurant was completely redone with new booths, tabletops and chairs, carpet, light fixtures and paint in a fresh new color scheme. In addition, the complimentary breakfast and happy hour facilities received new serving fixtures and awnings, and the atrium bar was updated with new paneling, a new bar top, bar stools and modern light fixtures. 

• Lobby - The lobby was revamped with new floor tiles, furniture, lighting, wallpaper and chandeliers. The hotel rebuilt its front desk, adding green marble, dark wood paneling and new light fixtures. 

• Additional changes - The hotel also resurfaced its indoor pool and spa, and installed a new red clay surface surrounding the pool. The hotel refinished the elevator walls and added new carpeting, as well as outfitted hallways with new carpeting, paint, lighting sconces and door plates. 

The Embassy Suites Hotel DIA-Gateway, built in 1985, features guest amenities consistent with the Embassy Suites Hotels brand, such as spacious, two-room suites that include a separate living area with a sofa bed and desk, private bedroom and bath, two phone lines, two televisions, a wet bar, refrigerator, microwave oven, and an iron and ironing board.