New Cedar Rapids Convention Complex is Poised to Serve as Premier Destination for Business and Leisure Travelers
DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex at the U.S. Cellular Center Opens Following Two-Year, $144M Transformation
Almasalla Travel News – CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Worldwide monday announced the opening of the new DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex at the U.S. Cellular Center following a dramatic two-year $144 million capital improvement and expansion plan led by the city of Cedar Rapids. Formerly the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons, the newest addition to the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel portfolio was bought by the city of Cedar Rapids in 2011 as part of a grand vision to create a state-of-the-art convention center project which includes the adjacent 9,600 seat U.S. Cellular Arena, as well as an 80,000 square foot convention complex. The project was driven by distinguished development company, Frew Development.
"The opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex at the U.S. Cellular Center is a focal point of the tremendous transformation that has taken place in downtown Cedar Rapids," said Ron Corbett, mayor of Cedar Rapids. "The completion of this project makes us a strong contender to compete nationally as a leading destination for meetings and events, and serves as a catalyst to boosting tourism to our culture-rich city."
The upscale, full-service hotel features a contemporary design aesthetic and luxury furnishings, including sleek glass elements, and original sculptures and artwork throughout the lobby and public areas. Updates were made throughout the hotel’s 267 guestrooms and the addition of a restaurant and bar to offer dining options for every visitor. The spectacular 80,000 square-foot U.S. Cellular Convention Center offers flexible meeting space to accommodate up to 10,000, and features the latest in A/V technology. Designed to accommodate any event need – from major industry meetings to weddings – the hotel’s ballrooms feature acoustic ceiling tiles that emulate a river’s flow, and outfitted with fiber optic technology for special color effects.
Situated on the 16th floor is the hotel’s new restaurant, 350 First, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and featuring stunning views of Cedar Rapids or the Cedar River. In the lobby, the hotel’s energetic Bud Light Lounge offers a convenient, casual destination to meet with friends and colleagues before or after meetings and events – or just for a little unwinding on any given day.
"There is no hotel in Cedar Rapids that can compete with the services and amenities that we offer, not to mention our unparalleled team of experts in the hospitality, meeting and event industry," said Matt Felling, complex general manager for DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. "We look forward to bringing visitors the superior level of service that is synonymous with the DoubleTree by Hilton brand – starting with the warm chocolate chip cookie welcome that we extend to each guest on arrival and continuing through every facet of their stay."
Among the DoubleTree by Hilton brand exclusives that guests will enjoy include the Wake Up DoubleTree BreakfastTM, an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee offerings from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, a refreshing array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn and the industry-recognized service culture which is built around the idea of CARE (Create a Rewarding Experience) for guests, team members and the community. Additional hotel amenities include an indoor pool, state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center featuring Precor fitness equipment, a 24-hour business center and free WiFi in all public areas of the hotel. As a participant in the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, the hotel will offer guests the ability to earn and redeem points.
"This hotel’s convenient downtown location and unparalleled services and offerings in the meeting and event space make it the perfect addition to the DoubleTree by Hilton family, joining our brand’s other hotel offering in Iowa, the DoubleTree by Hilton Des Moines Airport," said John Greenleaf, global head – DoubleTree by Hilton. "We are thrilled to be playing a key role in the downtown transformation of Cedar Rapids, and look forward to bringing the highest quality of service and experience to our business and leisure travelers in this market."
Situated in downtown Cedar Rapids, the hotel is located just 10 miles from Eastern Iowa Airport and convenient to key business destinations, including Fortune 500 companies and government offices. In addition to the U.S. Cellular Center, nearby attractions include the University of Iowa, The Paramount and Theater Cedar Rapids.
To mark the opening, DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids will offer Double HHonors points through September 1, 2013, as well as a grand opening meeting package for group reservations of 10 or more guest rooms, including a minimum of 15 percent off of the best available rate*, complimentary general session room commensurate with the size of the room block and 10 percent off food and beverage. The meeting package offer is based upon availability and is for new customers only. For reservations or to inquire about meeting packages, visit www.doubletree.com, contact your preferred travel professional or call 319-731-4444.
