Crowne Plaza Bowling Green unveils full renovation
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) — The former Holiday Inn University Plaza has become Crowne Plaza Bowling Green following an eight-month renovation that transformed guest rooms, the restaurant, bar and atrium while putting a greater focus on service, events and connections to the Bowling Green community.
A new look and a new brand
General Manager Megan Wallstrom said the hotel’s management company, Atrium Hospitality, looked for a brand that made sense alongside the city-owned conference center, which has about 40,000 square feet of event space.
Crowne Plaza is IHG’s meetings and events brand, Wallstrom said, making it a natural fit for the property.
“So with Crowne Plaza, the guest experience has been elevated. And it’s more about connections and, providing that higher level of service and creating an experience for the guest,” Wallstrom said.
The renovation changed nearly every part of the hotel guests encounter.
“From the moment they walk into the moment they leave, everything has changed. So the guest rooms have been completely renovated. The bar, the restaurant, everything has been redone,” Wallstrom said.
The atrium also underwent a major transformation. Wallstrom said the previous space included multiple levels, a river-like feature and many plants. The floor is now level, giving the atrium what she described as a completely different feel.
Bowling Green influences the design
Wallstrom said designers drew inspiration from the Bowling Green area when developing the new spaces.
The bar was designed around the area’s cave system and includes photos tied to Prohibition-era history and a speakeasy in the caves.
The hotel’s open house also highlighted local connections. Guests encountered a Corvette in the lobby and a room centered on John Carpenter’s “Halloween” legacy, complete with Michael Myers.
Wallstrom said the goal of the event was to celebrate Bowling Green and the environment surrounding the hotel.
Changes extend beyond the renovation
The move to Crowne Plaza also brought smaller changes to the day-to-day guest experience.
“We do have a full menu in our restaurant now, for example. Whereas before we just featured a buffet for breakfast. So there’s going to be some little nuances like that that are going to be different, but overall it’s really an elevation in the overall experience,” Wallstrom said.
She said Crowne Plaza is considered one of IHG’s premium brands, with the transition focused largely on raising the overall level of service.
Locals invited to experience the hotel
Bowling Green residents do not have to stay overnight to see the changes.
Wallstrom said locals are welcome to visit for breakfast, dinner or drinks at the bar. The hotel also hosts events including holiday parties and baby showers.
