LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2006/ FW/ --- High gas prices or not, summer is here! School is out and Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of the summer season is just one week away. And there is no better time to visit Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Traverse, Michigan as the hotel unveils its newly renovated facility.

With over $11 million invested since 2003 in the most aggressive renovation program in the 900-acre Northern Michigan property's 26-year history, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa has transformed into a new experience.

"We've worked diligently to re-create our facilities and restore Grand Traverse Resort & Spa to grandeur," said Executive Vice President & General Manager Andrew M. Bateman in a statement

"We think our guests will find the Resort to be an amazingly new and inspiring experience. We extend an invitation to past guests and new guests to visit us and experience Michigan's premier resort,” Bateman added.

The last three years of renovations touched nearly every facet of the Resort from guest rooms, to public space, meeting rooms, and grounds.

The most visually striking changes took place in the last few months -- a $1.8 million renovation program to give the Resort a dramatic Grand Lobby with new Front Desk, Fireplace, Lobby Bar, Water Wall, and a contemporary Porte Cochere with new revolving entry doors, landscaping and signage.

The Grand Lobby was designed by the architectural firm of Dow Howell Gilmore Associates Inc., Midland, Mich.

Although the most apparent renovations are those in the Grand Lobby and Porte Cochere, nearly $4 million was invested into guest rooms in the Hotel and Tower. Condominium owners with units in the Resort's Rental Management Program are also participating in the renovations, to upgrade the Resort's entire guest room inventory.

Other major, yet not immediately visible renovations include a completely refurbished Laundry, upgraded computer systems, and installation of WiFi wireless high-speed Internet access throughout the Hotel, Tower, and Spa Complex.

Of course, even with the renovation, Grand Traverse remains what it truly is – a full-service, year-round, golf, spa, vacation and conference destinations.

The property offers over 600 Hotel and Tower guest rooms and suites, and studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom Condominiums, 85,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, and 54 holes of championship golf including The Bear, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and The Wolverine -- a Gary Player signature golf course, and golf school.

Additional features include a full-service spa, comprehensive tennis program with indoor and outdoor tennis courts, complete health club with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, children's center, shopping gallery, diverse restaurants and lounges and year-round recreation.

For more information, please log on: www.grandtraverseresort.com