Roanoke, Va. - In Virginia's Blue Ridge, the beautiful landscape, vibrant culture and refined metro-mountain sophistication make the region a natural choice for meetings and conventions.

Nestled just off Interstate 81 in Southwest Virginia, the Roanoke Valley is a fusion of mountain and city life offering visitors the best of both worlds amid the scenic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to first-class meeting venues and luxurious, value-added accommodations, patrons can experience breathtaking views, thrilling outdoor adventures, mouth-watering cuisine, and inspiring arts and culture.

Several hotel properties in the Roanoke Valley are undergoing renovations. Upgrades include modernized rooms, freshened lobbies and refaced exteriors.

At the Holiday Inn Tanglewood, the property's exterior is undergoing a complete facelift that includes the installation of stone trim and new landscaping. This month, work will begin inside on the ballroom and meeting rooms, which will see a complete renovation from the walls and carpet, to the lighting and overall design. Total improvements total more than $1 million.

The Hampton Inn Salem is currently installing Hampton's new ‘Perfect Mix Lobby' concept, which includes an expansion of the breakfast area, complete renovation of the lobby and first floor, a new front desk and all new lobby furnishings. The upgrade will give guests more areas to work or just relax. High-definition television programming was recently added, and plans are underway for guest room renovations starting in early 2013.

Holiday Inn Express Civic Center recently completed room and technology upgrades as it added new furniture and new high-definition televisions offering HD programming. This year, the property looks to make improvement to upgrade the interior corridors of the hotel and new carpeting in all guest rooms.

This month, The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center began renovations to The Regency Room - its time-honored tradition restaurant, which this year celebrates its 75th anniversary. Dining operations will continue throughout the renovations and expected to be completed by mid-February.

Diners will notice new drapes, upholstery and carpeting, but the largest change will be a wall of opaque French doors that will allow for more intimate dining on one side and the establishment of a private dining facility, dubbed Regency Overlook, for groups or meetings on the other. In addition, an outdoor dining option on the awning-covered veranda will be available during warmer months.

In addition to Executive Chef Billie Raper, the Regency Room will soon introduce a new chef committed to fine Southern cuisine, and the menu will be revived with a twist on some dishes from years past, but also the familiar comfort diners have known for years. Throughout the renovation, there will be special events for diners in celebration of the culinary heritage and continued legacy of the Regency Room in the Roanoke Valley.

Hotel Floyd, a unique locally owned artisan-designed lodging facility is currently undergoing an expansive project. Hotel Floyd is adding rooms, additional meeting space, a gift shop and a new, locally-themed design throughout. The facility's 24 new guest rooms, 16 double queen and eight kings, will boast décor inspired by Floyd businesses and artisans. In addition, Hotel Floyd will add a new meeting facility for up to 75 people and a second meeting space with a continental breakfast area.

Renovations also will include elevator access to the second floor, a new lobby and registration desk and the Gateway Shop - a gift shop which will feature local artisan pieces and details about local studios. Outdoor patio space will be available for lounging or event needs, and the use of solar and solar thermal arrays will add to the facility's green footprint. The expansion is expected to conclude in August of 2013.

For more information about what Virginia's Blue Ridge offers as a premiere meeting destination, visit our website or mobile website at www.visitvablueridge.com or call (800) 635-5535.