Upgrade to Crowne Plaza
August 2010

Mark Goldstein (center) emphasises a point about the coming conversion of the Holiday Inn in Suffern to an upscale Crowne Plaza Hotel, with a focus on meetings and events.

Goldstein is a Principal of Empire Executive Inn, which has purchased the facility and is embarking on a multi-million dollar upgrade that will bring major change to the facility.  He is explaining the plans to Joan Neumann and Al Samuels, RBA VP, Administration and President/CEO, respectively.

A major renovation is planned for the lobby area.  The swimming pool will be filled-in and replaced with gardens, a Coy Pond and a new, open bar area.  The lobby-area staircases will be removed, providing for a larger, more open environment.

There will be new meeting rooms and Board Rooms and the Grand Ballroom will be upgraded with new ceilings, lighting and carpeting. 

Goldstein was particularly proud of the new high-end, food service that will be available.  "People told us they wanted better food and we're going to give it to them," he noted. 

Renovations will begin soon and the hotel will be closed after the first of the year, with a Grand Opening slated for March, 2011.  When completed, the new Crowne Plaza will feature 130 upscale guest rooms.

The RBA already has booked its April, 2011 General Membership Luncheon at the hotel.