John Q. Hammons: Developer to build Embassy Suites hotel in Alabama

Developer John Q. Hammons announced July 9 his plans to develop a new $40 million Embassy Suites Hotel in Huntsville, Ala. The 300-suite hotel will be located in Huntsville's downtown cultural and entertainment district.

Construction on the 10-story hotel is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2004, with a grand opening slated for the third quarter of 2005, according to an announcement from John Q. Hammons Hotels Inc.

The new hotel will be the second built by Hammons in Alabama, and it will complement the company's portfolio of nearly 60 hotels.

The new Embassy Suites is located just 15 minutes from the Huntsville International Airport.

"Huntsville's ongoing commitment to developing its downtown business, arts and entertainment district makes it a great match for a full-service, luxury convention hotel," Hammons stated. "Home to a unique blend of government, university and private industry, Huntsville is a natural fit for my hotel development strategy."

The new hotel will be built with the signature atrium style of John Q. Hammons Hotels, and it will feature amenities for business and leisure travelers. Each suite will have a private bedroom, a living room with a sofa sleeper, wet bar, refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker. Each of the suites also will be equipped with two color TVs, high-speed Internet service, customizable voicemail, Nintendo 64 and WebTV.

The property will be owned by Hammons and managed by John Q. Hammons Hotels Inc.