"What better way to design the perfect hotel, than to see how other hotels in the area operate." I thought Hotels did their own designing based on local zoning and some imput from the city. "We want nice looking rooms and see how those rooms will be furnished," said Mayor Bill Saffo." Well, it's supposed to be an upscale Hotel, doesn't that go without saying? "The council will review their tour today, and meet over the next two weeks to finalize a proposal and a quote." If the convention center is such a "draw", shouldn't the Hotels be making the proposal, complete with pictures of existing locations and rooms they have constructed in other locations. As for coming to the area, naturally people would be concerned about the crime in the downtown area. http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news4602 Wilmington has a lot to offer, however the river-walk and battleship can't do it all. The historic area is a huge draw if protected and nurtured like Savannah and Charleston. IF there is a need for the Hotel, some name brand chain will jump in and satisfy the need. That will be the time to look and study what's right for Wilmington.