Holiday Inn Opens Biz Hotel

After two years of complete renovation and modernization, the 385-room Holiday Inn Select Stamford recently opened its doors as a primary suburban hotel for New York City-bound business travelers.

The property, which is located 40 miles from Manhattan-45 minutes by commuter train-is a viable alternative to the costly lodging options in Manhattan.

"Business travelers, who account for between 75 and 80 percent of our guests, stay here because it's convenient for them," said Peter van Overwalle, director of sales and marketing. "That's true especially for those who have to do business in New York, but don't want to put up with the congestion, pace and cost of the city."

The $4.5 million makeover covered the entire hotel, including guest rooms, ballrooms, meeting space, the lobby, health club and restaurants. Guest rooms include fax machines, dataports, two phone lines, voicemail, iron and ironing boards, coffeemakers, hair dryers, account review and video checkout services, and complimentary morning newspaper.

The property also offers 40 Executive Edition rooms, featuring concierge services, continental breakfast, evening hors d'oeuvres and honor bar in a private lounge.

A 24-hour business center offers administrative support services, including copiers, fax machines, printers and office supplies. Recreational amenities include a complimentary health club with heated indoor swimming pool.

For meetings, the hotel targets groups that range in number from 35 to 70, but can accommodate as few as 10 people and as many as 250 for social events and catered functions. When a new 4,500- square-foot meeting and banquet space comes on line early this summer, that number will increase to 400. More than 12,000 square feet of space can be divided into 12 separate rooms.

The closest airport options include LaGuardia International and Westchester County Airports, located 25 and 15 miles away, respectively. Hotel shuttle service is complimentary.