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Houston Airport System
June 15, 2007
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If you search the skyline that frames George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) one of the most unique buildings is the circular science-fiction-like structure that belongs to the IAH Marriott Hotel. It is the one with the top floor that houses an airport landmark – a rotating restaurant called C.K.’s, and now it is the one undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation.
IAH has been home to the Marriott almost since it first opened its runways to air traffic in 1969. Three years after the airport was built, in 1972, the hotel opened its doors to travelers from all over the world for the first time.
Ever since then the partnership has been a fruitful one for both parties. Time, however, has not been as kind.
This year, the IAH Marriott is getting a sweeping make-over to basically counter the effect of time and to add a new dimension of luxury and comfort.
The multi-million dollar face-lift, which began in March, includes renovations to all of the hotel’s 565 sleeping rooms, its ballroom, all of its meeting rooms, both of its restaurants, its lounge, its bar, its front desk, its fitness center, and all of its elevators, escalators and suites.
It is part of a corporate-wide renovation project, according to Linda Cahue, director of sales and marketing for the IAH Marriott.
“Over the last two years and for the next few years to come we will be in the midst of a company wide effort to reinvent ourselves,” she says. “The ‘new’ Marriott understands the need for technology, the focus on a totally favorable experience and bringing all the senses into play to accomplish that.”
Competition is fierce in the IAH environment.
More than 20 hotels serve travelers and visitors around the airport complex, which spans well-over 11,000 acres. However, the IAH Marriott is the only hotel that provides complimentary underground train service to Houston’s Bush intercontinental Airport.
That is the one little advantage that Cahue says has given them a leg-up over competitors. |
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© Houston Airport System
The IAH Marriott Hotel connects passengers to the airports terminals at its basement. |
“Location, Location, Location! We are the favorite hotel for all the business ‘road warriors,’ who need to get in, do business, and get out quickly,” she adds. “We eliminate one more factor that can ruin a schedule – getting to the airport through the traffic and weather on time! The transportation from our lower lobby to each airport terminal, allowing them to get to their destination in 5 minutes, is priceless.”
The hotel is actually located inside of the airport between terminals B and C. Bush Intercontinental’s inter-terminal train runs through the basement of the hotel, allowing travelers a seamless entry into the Marriott.
On site conference facilities also beckon the millions of passengers who pass through IAH. With some 30,000 square feet of meeting and event facilities available, Marriott offers the most-expansive option for event planners.
For the 280 or so employees that work at the IAH Marriott Hotel, that translates into busy work schedules. The job, though, does have its perks. Employees report they have seen their fair share of celebrities and V.I.P.’s.
Some reminisce about the assortment of guests like rappers Snoop Dog and Master P; other musicians like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Hilary Duff; and sports stars like Houston Rockets greats, Calvin Murphy and Clyde Drexler, who visit for the annual Kenny Houston Celebrity Golf Tournament.
The guest who draws the most fanfare though is former President George Bush senior, who usually requests a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
In times gone by, the magnificent Sunday brunch in the rotating restaurant drew steady crowds, as families and friends gathered to watch the sunset and the planes take off on the nearby runways.
Marriott isn’t talking yet about what changes are in store for the new restaurant once the renovation work is complete, but visitors should know “check-it-out time” is scheduled by summer’s end.
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