Westward Look Resort Begins
Multi-Million Dollar Renovation
A major two-phase renovation has begun at Westward Look Resort. The $10-million first phase of remodeling will result in an update and upgrade of all the resort´s guest rooms and lobby area, as well as the Catalina and Sonoran Ballrooms. It is expected to be completed in Summer 2008. Phase Two is currently in the planning stage.
"This renovation will restore Tucson´s first resort to its original roots – The Soul of the Southwest" said Alan Klein, general manager of Westward Look Resort. "We are creating a Four Diamond resort that will offer true Southwest luxury."
All of Westward Look Resort´s 244 suite-sized guest rooms will be completely remodeled and outfitted with new furnishings and conveniences. The balconies and patios will also be renovated and will overlook new landscaping and exterior lighting.
The rooms will reflect the natural elegance of the Sonoran Desert. The color palette was carefully selected from the native landscape surrounding the resort and features hues of creams, golds and tans. Natural textures have been added such as new travertine flooring, natural slate countertops and dark wood accents. All new fixtures and furniture have a Spanish influence, and new artwork will depict desert themes.
The baths will be completely remodeled. The tubs will be removed from 200 of the guest rooms and replaced by walk-in showers. Each bath will include new lighted make-up mirrors. The bath features imported Turkish linens and each room offers 100% cotton waffle-weave robes. The vanity area will have Melitta coffee makers and energy-saving refrigerators are equipped with a sleep mode for noise reduction.
The new furniture is Spanish-American contemporary style and each room will have a 42-inch HD plasma television as well as an alarm-clock radio with an input for personal music players. Large built-in dressers will be located in the vanity area to make the main area more open.
The beds have been custom built by Sealy Posturepedic. The pillow-top mattresses are known as "Dream Catcher by Westward Look Resort." Guests can choose from a menu of all-natural pillows including goose down and cotton. Sferra sheets and pillow cases will be made from 400-count Italian cotton.
Phase One also includes the renovation of Westward Look Resort´s Catalina Ballroom. The design will restore the traditional style of the 4,000 square-foot venue while updating the technology features needed for modern meeting and events. The audio-visual facilities of the ballroom will be upgraded with new microphones, sound systems and Lutron electrical control systems. The Lutron One-Touch System allows for the control of lights and sound from a single location.
"We´re restoring the absolute grandeur of the original Catalina Ballroom," said Klein. "The high-ceilings, classic trim and every detail will be true to our heritage."
New large doors provide a dramatic entrance into the ballroom. Hardwood floors and other natural materials of the resort´s original heritage are used in the reception area. White wainscoting with chocolate accents and wall sconces add an air of fun to the ballroom. Overhead, new large chandeliers and crown molding complete the new design. The registration area will be enlarged and the restrooms will be updated and expanded.
The Catalina Ballroom is expected to be completed by November 2007.
The resort´s Sonoran Ballroom and smaller meeting rooms will receive an update, including new chandeliers, paint, carpeting and crown molding.
The Main Lobby is being completely refreshed. The area will be lightened with the use of light golds and deep reds. The current slate floors will be replaced with natural wood floors, resembling those of the original resort, and accents will be restored and re-stained. All furniture will be replaced with the exception of the historic wing-back chairs, near the entrance.
The Main Lobby will be restructured with the entrance to the Gold Room and concierge area moved to more central locations. A new Starbucks Coffee station with bistro seating will serve beverages, as well as pastries, light lunches and late-night snacks. New seating groups will be added and the restrooms will be completely remodeled.
The renovation is headed by Kimberly Hosking, director of design at Design Line Interiors. The award-winning San Diego-based firm has worked in hospitality design since 1985.
Westward Look Resort is set in the foothills of Tucson´s Santa Catalina Mountains on 80 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert. It offers 244 suite-sized rooms, two award-winning restaurants, a chef´s garden, the Sonoran Spa, eight tennis courts, desert hiking trails, on-site stables for horseback riding and multiple pools. Westward Look Resort is owned by American Property Management Company. The company, based in San Diego, Calif., owns 45 hotels and resorts across the United States. More information is available at 1-800-722-2500 and WestwardLook.com.
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