Introducing Odessa's first extended-stay hotel

Whether you're in town for a convention, a business trip, a reunion or just passing through, you can stay in comfort at Odessa's newest hotel, the TownePlace Suites Marriott at 4412 Tanglewod Lane.
 Each of the 108 rooms is cheerfully decorated and has a number of amenities. A kitchen with stainless steel refrigerator, cooktop, dishwasher and microwave lets you dine in whenever you want to. Keep in touch with your company or your family using the free wired and wireless computer connections found in every room. Watch a movie or a ball game on the flat-paneled TV.
 At the end of the day, you can get the sleep you need on a king-sized bed. If you're traveling with your family, a fold-out sofa accommodates children.
 Gene Carter, president of Western International, an independent, family-owned company that designed and built the hotel, points out the attention to detail that has gone into its construction.
 "The facilities are well above the standard of most hotels," he says. "Notice that all the countertops are granite, and there's artwork in the hallways as well as in the rooms. The swimming pool is located in an L of the building to cut down on the wind."
 The outdoor sitting area next to the swimming pool with fountain has the look and feel of an old-fashioned porch - a wonderful place to relax and converse. A lighted fireplace will add to the atmosphere during cooler months.
 TownePlace offers a free hot breakfast every morning and free drinks and food at the manager's reception from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Rooms are cleaned daily, no matter how long you stay. Dry-cleaning is available.
 The hotel offers another rare service - 24/7 grocery shopping.
 "Whether you need three grapefruits or you have a full-scale shopping list, just give us the list, and we'll take care of it for you," Carter says.
 Two meeting rooms are available. The board room can seat 12, and the small meeting room, 25.
 TownePlace Suites' landscaping has attracted the attention of Keep Odessa Beautiful. On Tuesday, they presented their May Odessa Pride Star of the Month Business Beautification award to the hotel.
 In Midland, you can stay at the Residence Inn, another Marriott hotel designed by Western International. Two more hotels are planned, one in Odessa and one in Midland.
 TownePlace Suites is conveniently located behind Music City Mall. For more information or to reserve a room, call (432) 362-1077.