Tampa luxury hotel partners with Troop Rewards to honor five military families
(TAMPA, FL – 07/31/14) On Thursday, August 7, Le Méridien Tampa, downtown Tampa’s newest luxury hotel, rolls out the red carpet for some of its most special guests to date, when five military service members returning from deployment in Afghanistan begin a recovery vacation with their families.
The five-day/four-night luxury stay is provided in partnership with Troop Rewards, a Tampa-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing relaxing vacations and other rewards to U.S. service members returning from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other hostile overseas areas where American troops are deployed.
“We’re delighted to team up with Le Méridien Tampa to provide an exciting downtown discovery vacation for our servicemen and women,” explained Tom Burkett, Troop Rewards’ executive director. “This brand new hotel in the former historic courthouse is sure to provide the backdrop for many memories, as these soldiers and their families relax and enjoy their much deserved time together.”
Opened in June 2014, Le Méridien Tampa has quickly become a downtown hotspot for out-of-town guests and locals alike, who appreciate the historic location and its attention to arts, culture and cuisine. Managed by Maximum Hospitality of Memphis, TN, the 130-room hotel promises a service experience like no other in the area.
“To host these service members at Le Méridien Tampa is a great honor for our entire hotel team,” said Brent Scarbro, general manager. “We look forward to serving as ‘home base’ to those who have given so much to our country and their families as they discover all that downtown Tampa has to offer.”
In addition to complimentary admission to the Tampa Museum of Art, the five service members and their families will enjoy visits to Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and an eBoats cruise on the Hillsborough River. All activities are provided through the generosity of these supportive sponsoring businesses.
The Troop Rewards/Le Méridien Tampa recovery vacation will kick-off with a Welcome Home Reception on Thursday, August 7, from 6:30-8:00 pm at Bizou Brasserie, located within Le Méridien Tampa at 601 North Florida Avenue. Special guests USAF Brigadier General Robert Holmes, Ret., Army Brigadier General Joe Oder, Ret., and WWII Purple Heart & Bronze Star Vet Edward Ballas will welcome these five special families. In addition, each family will be presented a personalized U.S. flag, flown in their honor over the U.S. Capitol, arranged by Representative Kathy Castor and presented by Deputy District Director Julie Fitzpatrick. Members of the public are invited to stop by and say “thanks” as these Air Force soldiers are welcomed to Le Méridien Tampa.
About Le Méridien Tampa
Just 12 minutes from Tampa International Airport (TPA), Le Méridien Tampa is in the heart of downtown Tampa and within a few minutes walk to the Tampa Convention Center, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Children’s Museum, and the historic Tampa Theatre. Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, the century-old historic federal courthouse has been transformed to reveal a boutique hotel that boasts 130-inspiring guest rooms and suites, meeting and event space, Bizou Brasserie dining experience, and Longitude Bar. For more information, visit www.LeMeridienTampa.com or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter @LeMeridienTampa.
About Troop Rewards
Troop Rewards in a Florida Non-Profit dedicated to providing recovery and RnR vacations and other rewards to U.S. Service members who were deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan to aid in their reintegration to civilian life back home. If you would like to learn more or make a donation to this worthy cause, please visit www.TroopRewards.org or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter @TroopRewards.