Portman Designed Hotel hosts 2012 Democratic National Convention

The Westin Charlotte prepared for a full house

John Portman & Associates (PORTMAN) is pleased to announce The Westin Charlotte, which the firm designed, will serve as a headquarters hotel for the 2012 Democratic National Convention (DNC), taking place in Charlotte, N.C. September 4-6. Anchoring the central business district, the 700-room hotel serves as a gateway to the southern end of downtown. Convention guests staying at The Westin Charlotte will be in walking distance to all convention sites and have easy access to a light rail station that connects them to city-wide transportation.

“The hotel was designed with intention of hosting large-scale events like the DNC with ease,” said David Montgomery, director of sales and marketing at The Westin Charlotte. “John Portman & Associates is a master in hotel design, and we are prepared to accommodate this memorable and important event.”

The Westin’s flexible meeting space features sophisticated technology, calming decor and an uncomplicated layout that make it an ideal place to host one of the nation’s largest events. Separate drop-offs for the hotel lobby and the conferencing facilities, mean that event attendees and the hotel’s guests do not have to cross paths. It also allows access to and from certain areas to be controlled when warranted. Moreover, the meeting space provides direct connection to the trolley station. Additional amenities include a large ballroom, a coffee shop, a signature restaurant and a health club.

PORTMAN designed the convention center hotel in partnership with developer Portman Holdings and the City of Charlotte as part of the city’s economic development initiative. Opened in 2003, the 29-story hotel complex property includes a 1,650-space parking structure, and is planned for a tower expansion atop the parking structure.

As the headquarters hotel for the convention center across the street, The Westin has been a catalyst for new growth occurring on neighboring blocks.