MEMPHIS, TN – December 23, 2021 – Memphis-based Cooper Hotels, owner and operator of the DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis, has announced the completion of the hotel’s $5 million renovation and redesign. While planning and design work began months before, physical renovation work began in March 2020 on the 264-room East Memphis hotel at 5069 Sanderlin Avenue.
The top-to-bottom project was accomplished in phases, to take advantage of low occupancy during the pandemic and to avoid inconveniences to the guests and event attendees that returned during the final months of work.
“Fortunately, most of our renovation was completed before supply chain and labor issues became as problematic as they are today,” said Candace Selecman, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis. “Before the renovation ended, leisure guests and smaller event business began returning, and we are seeing increases in business travelers and larger events at our beautifully redesigned hotel.”
Guestrooms were first in the renovation schedule. All furniture and amenities were replaced, as well as carpet and wall coverings. Bathroom doors were replaced with space saving “barn door” entryways. At the same time, complete renovations were done on all hotel corridors and elevator lobbies. These improvements were completed in April 2021.
Renovations to the hotel’s 6,000 square feet of meeting and event space began in January 2021 and were completed six weeks later. Improvements included new carpet, wall coverings and new LED fixtures and lighting in the hotel ballroom and prefunction area. Boardrooms also received new tables and chairs. With the increased public interest in outdoor functions and gatherings, a 1,600 square-foot, private patio was created with intricate stamped concrete flooring, new landscaping, new furniture and a fire pit.
The hotel lobby makeover began in April 2021. New front desk “pods” and illuminated artwork were installed adjacent to a new Made Market offering snacks and beverages. A convenient Connectivity Zone with computers and functional seating was also added. The four public restrooms on the ground floor received new flooring, wall covering, sinks with automated faucets, backlit and full-length mirrors and hardwood walls replacing conventional toilet partitions.
The final phase of the renovation project, which began in late June 2021, was the demolition of the hotel’s existing restaurant and bar to accommodate a new restaurant, Erling Jensen Small Bites with Topgolf Swing Suites. In the dining area, all new tables, seating, flooring and window treatments were installed surrounding two expansive Topgolf Swing Suite simulator bays with their own new seating and tables. Massive TV screens were placed in the elevated bar area, which also received new seating and tables, some overlooking the hotel lobby after the removal of an existing wall.
“We believe our DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis is the most contemporary, comfortable and entertaining hotel in the area,” said Pace Cooper, president and CEO of Cooper Hotels. “Our plan is to continually provide the capital and resources to keep this hotel as modern and technologically advanced as any luxury hotel in Memphis.”
