Seattle getting a leg up as a meeting center

The Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Towers’ $112 million expansion project is being portrayed as a key step in the city’s evolution as a meeting, convention and business destination.

Seattle last year had a record $432 million in conventions.

But the local CVB said the lack of a 1,000-room headquarters hotel was a major detriment to competition with other areas.

The expansion will give Seattle its first 1,000-plus rooms. The hotel will have 1,253 rooms.

Seattle’s lure as a convention market includes a downtown district within easy walking distance to shops, theatre, musical venues and restaurants. The city is also known for its cultural attractions.

Report by David Wilkening