The opening of his eight-story; 226-suite Embassy Suites East Peoria – Hotel & Conference Center, was announced by Mr. John Q. Hammons

The all-suite, contemporary hotel is owned by Mr. Hammons, and the hotel and conference center are managed by Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites.

"This is the first hotel of its kind built in the Peoria area in more than five decades," said Mr. Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts. "Our booking $3 million in meetings and hotel room reservations revenue prior to opening reinforces that East Peoria requires high-quality, full-service accommodation."

Conveniently located off I-74 and Riverfront Drive, this new hotel in Peoria is surrounded by the spectacular shopping, dining and nightlife of the Peoria RiverFront and is just minutes from area attractions, including O'Brien Field, Central Illinois' largest outdoor sports and entertainment facility and home to the Peoria Chiefs.

The Embassy Suites hotel property is approximately eight minutes from the Greater Peoria Regional Airport and is in close proximity to the many corporations and educational institutions in the Peoria area, including the headquarters of Caterpillar Inc., Bradley University, University of Illinois College of Medicine, and Illinois Central College.

"The East Peoria area is well-known for its influential businesses, thriving sports community and skilled work force, of which we have employed more than 200," said Joe LoMonaco, general manager of the hotel.