University Plaza Hotel to drop Holiday Inn affiliation

Springfield-based John Q. Hammons Hotels Inc. has announced that following its $5 million renovation, the Holiday Inn Springfield University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center will be officially de-branded.

According to a Hammons Hotels news release, the hotel will drop the Holiday Inn name and become University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center on Oct. 27. Located at 333 John Q. Hammons Parkway, the property is owned by John Q. Hammons and is managed by John Q. Hammons Hotels Inc., an independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale full-service hotels, resorts and suites.

Hammons Hotels states that the renovations will transform the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center into an upscale luxury property to accommodate the changing lodging and convention needs in the city's downtown core.

The nine-story garden atrium features a multi-tiered water feature and the hotel's dcor throughout is done in green and gold, with accents of sapphire and red. The renovation includes upgraded lighting, new carpeting, marble, onyx stone, wall vinyl, furniture, soft seating and restaurant furniture.

Other enhancements include an updated front desk of granite and cherry wood, a newly constructed boardroom, top-of-the-line kitchen equipment to service the restaurant and convention center, and a refurbished hair salon.

"The dynamic growth in Springfield's core downtown business and entertainment district is driving the demand for new, luxury hotel accommodations," said University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center General Manager Bob Pottberg in the release.

The University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center and the Springfield Exposition Center's 150,000 square feet of meeting space in 28 rooms that can be configured to accommodate almost any group. Banquet facilities are available for parties of up to 4,500 people. The nine-story hotel features 271 guest rooms, including 41 suites.