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Metropolitan Resort Orlando Soon to Become World’s Largest Econo Lodge

By Georgiana Mihaila, Associate Editor

California Hotels has big plans in store for the 297-room Metropolitan Resort. Through its subsidiary, 8444 Investments LLC, the company plans to convert the property to The World’s Largest Econo Lodge.

Work is set to start on the 8444 Austrian Court Way property in June, the developers planning to keep the hotel open for the entire duration of the renovation and improvement process.

With a prime location on the world renowned International Drive in Orlando, Florida, The World’s Largest Econo Lodge will consist of 297 rooms with king or double bed accommodations, and feature a full delicatessen, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, refrigerators and iron and ironing boards inside all rooms. The Econo Lodge will also be connected to the YMCA Aquatic Center, equipped with three indoor pools, a large cardio fitness center, and four indoor racquetball courts. All guests of the hotel will receive complimentary access to the Aquatic Center.

“We’re proud to announce our affiliation with Choice Hotels and being able to bring something grand to the table as we initiate what I hope to be a long and prosperous relationship together,” says Remo Polselli , CEO of California Hotels Corporation. “The real winner here are the customers and the city of Orlando, this couldn’t happen to better people and a better place in Orlando, International Drive.”

All property improvements will be completed by October 2013. Apparently, this is merely the first in a series of Choice Hotel franchises California Hotels has planned for 2013, but no further details have been released.

The Metropolitan Resort is not the only Orlando-area hotel heading for renovation; the 123-room Hilton Garden Inn Orlando North/Lake Mary will soon undergo a $2 million renovation, as new owner GF Management plans to improve the recently acquired property. The company bought the property last week, and the acquisition is this year’s first for GF Management. Like the Metropolitan Resort, the Hilton Garden InnOrlando North/Lake Mary will also stay open for the entire duration of the renovation.

Image via HotelClub

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