The Hilton Knoxville is a 317-room full service hotel in the center of the downtown business district, two blocks from the University of Tennessee and connected by a covered walkway to the new Knoxville Convention Center.  The hotel features 15,000 square feet of meeting space, restaurant, lounge, outdoor pool, and exercise room and sauna.  The Hilton Knoxville opened in 1981. 

�The purchase of the Hilton Knoxville allows us to further our goal of growing the ownership side of our portfolio,� said Doug Dreher, president of The Hotel Group.  �The addition of this property is a great fit for the Hotel Group, Inc. as we are very experienced managing hotels located in university markets and it is our desire to own and manage more full-service properties.� 

�The timing of this acquisition is perfect,� said Lara Latture, director of operations of The Hotel Group�s regional office in Nashville.  �With the recent opening of the Knoxville Convention Center there will be a significant increase in visitors to the region.  Our close proximity can easily accommodate those guests.� 

The Hotel Group is planning a $3 million full renovation of the property to begin immediately.  Room renovations will include all soft goods, case goods, and bathrooms.  In addition, public space including the  hotel lobby will also undergo an extensive remodel, including the addition of a Starbucks Coffee retail store in the lobby, and complete renovation of the restaurant and lounge, which will become the Orange Martini Bar.

The hotel will remain open during all phases of construction. 

Established in 1984, The Hotel Group, Inc. owns and manages 27 properties in 10 states including Alaska, California, Washington, Texas, Arizona, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Montana and Tennessee.