How proud is Ramada Plaza & Suites general manager Carol Johnson of her hotel’s newly completed overhaul? When I met with her for an interview this afternoon, she tried to confiscate my Holiday Inn pen, offering me not one, but two Ramada-branded alternatives in exchange.

I declined to hand it over (when you write for a living, giving up a reliable pen is never a good idea), but I did get a look at the fruits of a $2.5 million renovation project that took 15 months to complete and updated everything from the ballrooms to the pool.  The Ramada also updated its menus and events capabilities to handle a wide range of needs and themes – think a Carribean-themed fundraiser, or a wedding where the drinks match the bridesmaids’ dresses. “We can pull off any type of event, or any type of food and drink,” Johnson said.

Other renovations include a whole bundle of new flat screen televisions, new workout equipment, new custom-made carpeting, and new bedding and furniture. Renovations to the restaurant are coming soon, Johnson said, although she said she couldn’t tell me what those would entail.

One of Johnson’s goals is to make the hotel a one-stop shop for everything a visitor or conventioneer might need while in town. Between the restaurant, the conference facilities, the business amenities, and the indoor pool, she figures she’s got most of it covered. ”People don’t mind getting stranded here during the blizzards,” she said.