Panel OKs Upgrades at Grand Hyatt D/FW

D/FW AIRPORT -- Updates to the 6-month-old Grand Hyatt DFW continue to be a contentious issue among some members of the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Board.

But the finance and audit committee agreed Tuesday to set a budget of $1.3 million for possible upgrades, including better signs that point out the hotel's entrance.

Customers have said they were confused where to check in for the hotel, according to an airport document explaining why the change is needed. "Our hotel staff has informed us of a constant flow of traffic into the hotel lobby and meeting space of air travelers seeking check-in for their flights," the document said.

The airport staff also told the board that the hotel's fire alarm system needs to be separated from the Terminal D fire alarm. False alarms within the terminal have forced the evacuation of meetings at the hotel. Meeting planners have told the hotel that they may look to book their events elsewhere if that continues, according to the airport document.

But board members Pamela Dunlop-Gates and Santiago Salinas complained that there wasn't enough detail on the proposed changes.

"We have no idea where all this money is going," Salinas said.

Airport staff members said they would have a detailed listing of how much each project would cost by Thursday's full board meeting.

Fort Worth Star Telegram

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