College dorms used to be synonymous with bland architecture, hallway water fountains, and those long, twin mattresses that sheets never fit on. UCLA is changing that perception, though, with a new fleet of suites that are making meeting and event planners stop in their tracks. Are these really today’s dorm rooms?
According to Jason Walley, Director of Conference Services, the answer is yes. “We’ll have 100 of these rooms available beginning in June 2012,” he says. “And there’s more to come.”
The Courtside Collection, designed by Walley and his colleagues, feel much more like a hotel room than your traditional dorm room. “We had recently renovated one of our buildings, and after we crunched the numbers, it really was within our reach to offer something unique .”
The suites come complete with modern-day amenities, like a 24-hour front desk, flat screen televisions, free WiFi, usage of recreation areas, and daily house cleaning. The cost? “It’s just $150 per room, per night, and that includes a hot breakfast,” says Walley.
The revenue generated offsets student housing costs during the academic year. It’s really a no brainer.
Also included in UCLA’s renovation was a new ballroom (see design on right) with three breakout rooms, which pairs perfectly with the new suites for groups, associations, or even special events.
To learn more about UCLA Conference Services, visit them on uniquevenues.com.