Sheraton Atlanta Provides Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles

ATLANTA, Aug. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The 763 room Sheraton Atlanta, a well regarded symbol of hospitality for business and leisure travelers, recently became the first hotel in Atlanta to install charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs).

These four charging stations are located at the front of the hotel and provide electricity to power EVs for guests of the Sheraton Atlanta. The installation process began in January of this year.

"We are tremendously excited to be offering this resource to our guests," said Niles Harris, General Manager of the Sheraton Atlanta. "It is our hope that these stations will attract energy-conscious patrons and showcase our progressive efforts towards sustainability."

There are no extra costs associated with using the stations, as standard parking rates apply. Use of the stations is allocated on a first come, first served basis. The spots are available for the duration of the charge, at which point the guest will yield the space for the next EV to charge. Having four stations available is an excellent benefit to EV guests.

The idea was originally proposed by Mo Babalola, Director of Parking Operations for the Sheraton Atlanta, as a way to communicate to guests that the Sheraton Atlanta is a responsible advocate of green initiatives, and to provide a practical option for guests that drive electric vehicles. In the past, a number of hotel guests have inquired about the existence of such spots to power their EVs.

"On average, eclectic vehicles produce five times less CO2 per mile than gasoline powered vehicles," said Leonard McCoy, Director of Engineering for the Sheraton Atlanta. "We wanted to do our part in helping both out guests and our hotel achieve their green initiatives and contributions."

More than $70 million has been invested on Atlanta's flagship Sheraton property during the past seven years including $20 million renovations in 2009. This has powered the Sheraton Atlanta's revival from an unpretentious, traditional property into a stylishly designed, eminently comfortable hotel with a new energy and identity.

The Sheraton Atlanta is now one of the most green-friendly hotels in downtown Atlanta Georgia, with unique initiatives employed throughout the property. These initiatives include a laundry water recycling system that saves 375,000 gallons of drinking water each month, low energy lighting in all permanent light fixtures, food waste composting program, a $700,000 hotel-wide water heating system that increases previous efficiency by more than 50%, and a saline injection system that cleans the swimming pool naturally, without utilizing harmful chemicals.

Amenities at the Sheraton Atlanta include a stunning indoor/outdoor Garden Courtyard with a retractable roof, and year-round swimming pool, 90,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, a 24-hour fitness center, full service business center, concierge, two ballrooms, two distinct restaurants, lively bar, a deli, in room dining, and available wireless high-speed Internet access in guest rooms, suites, and all public and meeting space.

Ideally located just 15 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the hotel is within easy walking distance of Peachtree Center, Centennial Park, CNN Center, The Georgia Aquarium, New World of Coke, Underground Atlanta and the Georgia World Congress Center and top sporting venues such as Philips Arena (Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers), the Georgia Dome (Atlanta Falcons), and Turner Field (Atlanta Braves).

For more information or to make a reservation at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, visit www.SheratonAtlantaHotel.com or call (404) 659-6500.

SOURCE Sheraton Atlanta Hotel