The Crowne Plaza Suites Arlington, an upscale hotel in north Arlington near the Entertainment District, is investing in improvements that will transform it into an upper upscale hotel designation. Owned by Equinox Hospitality, the group recently completed a $15 million renovation to address exterior and guest room improvements.
Equinox plans to invest an additional $9 million in the hotel, which will convert the property to a Marriot Tribute brand standard and earn it an upper upscale rating. Marriot’s Tribute portfolio includes luxury lifestyle boutique hotels with independent, local branding.
“We are thrilled that the Crowne Plaza Suites Arlington will be transformed into Arlington’s Tribute by Marriott Hotel in the coming months,” said Brent DeRaad, President & CEO of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This boutique hotel will have a Texas feel and will augment the luxury and upper-upscale lodging available to Arlington Convention Center meeting delegates and visitors.”
The project includes an update on furnishings, fixtures and equipment in the 200 guest rooms and common areas. Equinox will also convert the indoor pool space, adding 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, bringing the total available meeting space to 14,000 sq. ft.
“Equinox Hospitality’s investment not only expands Arlington’s portfolio of upper upscale hotels but also introduces a unique offering to the market. Continued investment in our Entertainment District will further enhance our ability to attract more convention business and enhance revenues—ultimately supporting essential services that benefit both businesses and residents,” said Lyndsay Mitchell, Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives for the City of Arlington.
City Council approved the City to enter into a 10-year performance agreement with Equinox, where the City will provide $3,250,000 in assistance over the course of fiscal years 2025, 2026 and 2027. In return, Equinox must start construction by September 1, 2025 and complete it by December 31, 2026. The Tribute Portfolio brand standard and upper upscale rating must be maintained for the term of the agreement, and Equinox must make a minimum investment of must make a minimum investment of $9 million, in addition to their recent $15 million, for a total of $24 million in improvements to the hotel.