Pinehurst Resort has completed its four-year, $15 million refurbishing project, which included a complete overhaul of the Carolina Hotel's guest rooms.

About $12 million went toward improving the guest rooms in both the Carolina Hotel and the Manor Inn. The Carolina's lobby, public areas and meeting spaces were also upgraded significantly with additional funds.

Scott Brewton, executive vice president and general manager of the resort, said Pinehurst has spent twice the industry average on renovations recently. He said the improvements should give the resort a competitive advantage.

"I think it puts us in a better position with the resorts we compete against," he said. "Our product is new, and we think that gives us an advantage. Our owner (Robert Dedman Jr.) was very generous allowing us to do that."

A four-phase renovation of all Carolina Hotel guest rooms began in the winter of 2005.

The first three phases involving complete renovation of all guest rooms in the main guest floors were completed in April 2008, and included new ultrasoft bedding, flat-screen televisions, marble bathrooms and whisper heating/air conditioning units.

The resort added the 1,600-square-foot presidential suite to the Carolina's west wing in mid-2008. The suite of rooms has added security features, balcony, satellite radio, fireplace, parlor and dining room, as well as private bedroom with lounge, master bath and dressing room.

All 45 guest rooms in the Manor Inn were completely renovated in the spring of 2008 with new bedding, baths and dcor.

The fourth phase, just recently completed, included the total renovation of the Carolina Hotel east wing rooms, the last series of guest rooms in the main hotel to be redone.

Pinehurst added one four-bedroom villa to its set of 10 in 2005, adding such features as a fireplace, expanded patio and improved bedding.

Condos Revamped

This year, the resort has revamped its condominium program by reducing the number of condos from 85 to 30 and renovating them to Pinehurst and industry standards. The multi-bedroom condos are either on golf courses or on Lake Pinehurst.

As a result of the plan, the resort now has more than 60,000 square feet of flexible gathering space.

The Carolina Hall and Terrace (formerly the Exhibit Hall), a 14,000-square-foot facility, has been completely renovated. The project included new lighting, carpet, dcor, soundproofing, ventilation and entryway.

Work on the 9,600-square-foot Grand Ballroom -- including new carpet, wall covering and artwork -- was completed in February. The addition of the Kendall, Taylor and Stevens executive boardrooms in the Carolina's west wing last July added 3,000 square feet of gathering space. The new board rooms include flat-screen televisions and hidden audio-visual equipment. The Stevens room also opens to the wide west veranda for cocktail receptions and outdoor events.

The resort also renovated the Carolina Hotel's public spaces, including the main lobby, Grand Hall and ballroom foyers. The project added new carpet, wallpaper and furniture.

Wireless Added

Earlier this year, Pinehurst began offering complimentary wireless Internet service in all of its public areas throughout the resort. This includes lobbies, porches and restaurants in all three hotels, as well as the Resort Clubhouse.

In 2005, Pinehurst added a dedicated business center in the Carolina with computer stations, copiers, shipping services and other related services.

No major renovations are on the horizon in the next year, Brewton said, though some minor refurbishments will be carried out in 2010. But owning such a large and historic property means there are always things that deserve attention, he said, including the resort's villas, the Holly Inn and membership amenities.

"There are always things in the queue," he said. "We just haven't decided on the order at this point."

Contact John Krahnert III at 693-2473 or by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com.