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Ascend Collection from Choice Hotels International, Inc. has added The State House Inn of Springfield, Ill., to its portfolio of historic, unique and boutique hotels across North America and the Caribbean.
“We’re delighted to welcome this historic property,” says Stacy Ragland, vice president, Ascend Collection for Choice Hotels International. “With its green practices, new technology and local flair, The State House Inn is a wonderful addition to our fast-growing Ascend Collection.”
Listed on the Springfield Register of Historic Buildings, The State House Inn completed an $8 million makeover in 2003. The property sits in the heart of downtown, across the street from the Illinois State Capitol and within walking distance of restaurants, the Prairie Capital Convention Center and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. Just a few minutes away, guests find the Abraham Lincoln Airport; parks; gardens; museums; zoo; and major Abraham Lincoln historic sites, including the 16th President’s home, tomb and law office.
Starting June 1, 2010 through August 31, The State House Inn’s special rates range from $99.99 – $109.99 per night. The pet-friendly property houses 125 guestrooms and suites. Each room is outfitted with complimentary high-speed Internet access, workstation and ultra-comfy beds with pillow-top mattresses and deluxe linens and comforters. Bathrooms are elegantly appointed with granite countertops. Suites also feature spacious sitting areas, microwaves and refrigerators.
Guests relax over cocktails at the hotel’s chic No Name Bar with soft music, plush couches and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also houses the Piano Bar adjoining the main lobby and the No Name Bar; fitness center; convenience store; and 24-hour business center with computers and scanning, copying and faxing services. Among the property’s complimentary amenities: hot breakfast buffet, on-site parking, local calls and high-speed Internet access.
Debuting in April 2010, the property’s Governor’s Ballroom is Springfield’s new venue for lively weddings, galas and conferences. The ballroom spans 7,000 square feet to seat up to 400 guests. It features 14-foot ceilings, state-of-the-art acoustics, five-star catering, built-in dance floor and complimentary high-speed Internet. This flexible space can be divided to accommodate smaller groups as well. For additional options, six other meeting rooms range from 300 – 1,200 square feet and also have state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and high speed Internet access. A staff of on-site planning pros helps assure memorable meetings, weddings and events.
Guests lighten their carbon footprints thanks to a number of earth-friendly practices. The State House Inn’s linen and towel reuse program saves more than 81,000 gallons of water and 500 gallons of detergent annually. Thermostats in guestrooms and suites reset automatically when rooms are unoccupied. There are energy-saving water source heat pumps in each room and energy-efficient windows and lighting throughout the hotel. All major pieces of equipment are computer-controlled to further reduce power consumption.
Ascend Collection answers the call from a growing number of travelers seeking unique and authentic travel experiences. As a member of this upscale network, The State House Inn maintains its individuality and local flavor, while also gaining access to the resources of powerhouse Choice Hotels. Among these resources, The State House Inn now has global distribution and reservation systems as well as a robust online presence at ChoiceHotels.com. Additionally, guests can earn points towards free nights, flights and other rewards through the Choice Privileges rewards program.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
