BILLINGS, MONTANA -- Four major hotel properties with 80,000 square feet of meeting space are enhancing their appearance and services in Billings, Montana. The four different facilities announce expansion projects ranging from major renovation of rooms to business services which will better serve the needs of business and group travelers. Additional property renovation includes the upgrade of restaurants/lounge areas, occupancy and technical support. All renovation projects are on target for completion during 1998.

The most dramatic changes are seen at the Holiday Inn Billings Plaza/ Hotel &Trade Center who recently announced a full scale renovation project including total sleeping room renovation, an increase of double occupancy rooms, and Restaurant/Lounge upgrade. The $3 million project will also enhance the telephone system enabling voice mail and direct line services for business guests. The sleeping room upgrade will add new televisions, coffee makers, hair dryers and irons to each room. The Billings Holiday Inn Plaza has 50,000 square feet of space in 15 meeting rooms servicing groups up to 2,500.

A new name and new look: Billings Hotel and Convention Center, previously known as the Clarion Hotel of Billings, announced an upgrade of their services and amenities. The renovation includes the complete redecoration of the restaurant/lounge areas and of all sleeping rooms to deluxe standards. The Billings Hotel and Convention Center offers 30,000 square feet in 17 meeting and banquet rooms accommodating up to 1,400 people.

The historic Radisson Northern Hotel lobby will be transformed back in time to a circa 1935 old downtown train-depot like setting. The new, yet old look, will bring back the historic hotel feel to the downtown hotel while offering modern amenities. One hundred sixty sleeping rooms will be completely redecorated with new carpets, bed spreads, and drapes. The Radisson Northern Hotel is a convenient location for workshops, seminars and conventions in downtown Billings offering 7 different meeting and conference rooms.

Sheraton Billings Hotel recently upgraded a portion of their sleeping rooms with a new look and furniture. The Sheraton Hotel has a total of 286 sleeping rooms and 13 meeting rooms with a convention capacity for 1,200 people. The 23rd floor is home to the beautiful Skytop Room offering customers a panoramic "Big Sky" view of five mountain ranges.

Photos/slides are available upon request.

For information on Billings, Montana as a convention or group tour destination, or more information on the Billings area, contact Rhonda Harms, Director of the Billings Chamber Visitors Visitors Council at (406) 252-4111 or 800-711-2630. For on-line convention and group tour planning information, visit our web site at http://billingscvb.visitmt.com.