Knoxville’s Embassy Suites: Living the Suite Life

We are so pleased with the welcome received from the community, said Tracy Hicks, General Manager. Since a mid-November opening date (night of Garth Brooks concert at Neyland Stadium), we have been blown away by the warm embrace we have received from the downtown residential community, as well as Knoxville as a whole. We often hear comments like “this hotel could be in any major city in America” and “this place is so amazing – Knoxville needed this” – it is just surreal. When talking about the operational team, she tells of how many changes have been necessary since the doors opened back in November. “You start out with the best-laid plans and then you open. It’s then you realize that while you built your org chart around a labor model, you must change it, add to it, perfect it to take care of the business you have become,’ she said. In my 30 years of hotel operations this is the most unique and challenging hotel I have come across, because nothing here is standard, nothing is ordinary, nothing is typical, including the clientele. Walk through the front doors on Gay Street past the 24-hour valet standing guard, and you will discover elegance and comfort. A multi-year culmination of a mixed-use development building in downtown, the hotel boasts local flavors and unique touches through the 14-story building. This newly opened hotel is conveniently located at the corner of Gay Street and Union Avenue, adjacent to Market Square and across from Regal Cinemas in historic downtown. Expect contemporary accommodations starting with large, spacious suites, full wet bar area, WiFi and two flat-screen HD televisions. “Kana Hotel Group has a very talented and diverse group of designers – some local – with an eye for the off-the-beaten-path, and it shows at the Embassy Downtown. From the moment you walk into the light-flooded lobby with the expanded living walls of fresh greenery and waterfall features, you know you have entered a special place with no detail left undone” she said. Admire the local art and local photography touches at every turn, and take advantage of the unique Beer Market wall, featuring six local craft beer selections that can be purchased by the ounce right inside the lobby of this luxury hotel. Taste the local influences in dishes from Knox Mason. Shop for Tennessee gifts and treats, as well as wines and ice creams at the Beer Market. Enjoy a pick-me-up at KBrew Coffee shop for specialty beverages and handmade bagels. Or escape to the roof at Radius Rooftop Lounge, for a cocktail and a brilliant Tennessee River vantage point with the most spectacular views of Knoxville. Take advantage of the hotel's unique Top Golf Swing Suites, where friends and co-workers gather to relax and unwind with handheld appetizers, craft beers and signature cocktails – perfect for small gatherings or individual play. For larger groups, host a wedding reception, party or conference in one of five private meeting spaces.

Work out in the 24-hour fitness center outfitted with cardiovascular and strength training equipment. If you are a serious fitness guru, book a Five Feet to Fitness Suite, complete with your own fitness and strength-training equipment located in the privacy of your very own bedroom suite. Unwind with a massage at the Wake Spa, where guests relax with a shared foot soak experience. At Wake, located on the lobby level off Union Avenue, you are guided into an indulgent experience, with or without massage, but always an escape to perfect relaxation. “As we move toward warmer weather, we are thinking and creating some special menus and events for not only hotel guests, but the local community as well, said Hicks. Our rooftop pool will be open before you know it and we are gearing up our staffing to include pool attendants, cabana service and more of a Spring/Summer

food menu around the pool and patio areas.” “What I like most about our property is the ability to see an opportunity and make it happen,” said Hicks. We have high hopes for making tweaks and additions as the

community continues to promote and enjoy our many services.” It’s been a great journey so far. Knoxville is an amazing and unique downtown vibe……its growing and we are proud to be a part of it” she said.