The 284-room Metro Plaza Hotel in Phoenix’s Northwest Valley business district has closed for extensive renovations, reopening in the fourth quarter of 2014 as a full-service Radisson. Newly managed by the hospitality management and consulting team of R.A. Rauch & Associates (RAR), the property will feature the firm’s renowned guest service standards, modern and engaging marketing strategies and streamlined operations.
This marks RAR’s first hotel in Phoenix, although President and Founder Robert Rauch has significant experience in the market. Rauch served as President of the local hotel association in the late 1980s, as founding Chairman of the Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau and on the board of the Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau. He also was opening GM at the Hilton Pavilion in Mesa and the Camelhead Embassy Suites, as well as court-appointed Receiver at the Tempe Mission Palms. In addition, Rauch teaches industry entrepreneurship to Arizona State University students.
Starting with a complete remodel, Rauch and his team will hone the hotel’s image, tap into a fresh client base and implement new service and logistical standards to create the high-quality guest experience for which the firm is known.
“We have been watching the Phoenix hospitality market closely and see room to fill an important niche with this Radisson-branded property,” says Bob Moore, Senior Vice President of Operations at RAR. “We plan on bringing our high standards of reputation management, innovative digital and social media marketing strategies and guest service approach to create a culture where employees thrive and guests are wowed.”
With a strong corporate business presence in the area and proximity to headquarters of companies including PetSmart, Liberty Mutual and Discover Financial, the hotel is in a position to become a preferred destination for meeting planners by creating value, service excellence and catering to business travel and event needs. The property is adjacent to the Metro Center Mall and provides access to the Black Canyon Conference Center, downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor International Airport and offers over 14,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Given its convenient location in burgeoning North Phoenix, the new Radisson will serve as a hub for vacationers and business travelers alike.
