Lodgian Reflags Md. Hotel

Lodgian (LGN Quote) converted the former 231-room Holiday Inn in Silver Spring, Md., to the Crowne Plaza brand.

The Atlanta-based hotel chain said the conversion follows an 11-month, $6 million complete make-over of the property.

The renovation of the 16-story Crowne Plaza Washington, D.C.--Silver Spring included extensive upgrades to its guestrooms, including installation of the Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage program and other brand amenities, mahogany furnishings, a rolling desk with task lighting and marble vanity tops in the bathrooms. All public spaces, including meeting rooms, restaurant and lobby, also were upgraded, which included the installation of new lobby furnishings and carpeting and the addition of a new Internet cafe in the lobby serving Barnie's coffee products.

"Meetings will play an important role in our business mix," said Samie Bazuzi, general manager. "With 16,000 square feet of meeting space, we can comfortably handle groups ranging from 20 up to 450."

On Tuesday, Lodgian rose 2 cents to $10.41.

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