Shell Vacations' Las Vegas resort is approaching completion of a $17,000,000 development that changed it from a low-cost suite motel to a high-quality vacation holding. During the construction period, nearly four years, it received an industry award for its design as well as appreciation for its customer service.

The three-story property recognised as the Hawthorne Suites contained 284 hotel rooms in four buildings, when it was acquired by Shell Vacations in association with Pat Nesbitt in 2004.

In January 2005, the management was passed over to the Shell Vacations Hospitality, the development of the first building was accomplished in June. Each of the following three phases, with about seventy-two units, required 6 to 7 months to finish. The fourth and final building is expected to be complete by September this year,

Resort General Manager Chris Breed said, "I am thrilled that it will soon be over. It will be wonderful to have an entire property without construction going on somewhere".

"When you are running a hospitality property undergoing renovation, it is most challenging to maintain high occupancy levels and maximize revenues. When contractors are in the mix with guests and employees, there can be noise and continued challenges. Fortunately, we had a great relationship with the construction team but we had to remain on top of things every day", she added.

Chris has been working with Shell Vacations Hospitality for 19 years. She had earlier served the Holua Resort at Mauna Loa Village in Kauai as General Manager for five years.