While the number of new hotels under construction may be falling, many owners are proceeding with renovation plans to position their properties for the hoped-for upturn in business. Hilton Hotels, for example, says renovations are underway at 12 of its Hilton-branded properties in the Northeast U.S. and eastern Canada. Total value of the upgrading projects is nearly $88 million.

The most extensive renovation is underway at the Hilton New York. Last year, more than $19.5 million was spent on the project, which launched in 2006 and will be complete next year. Last year’s spend included upgrading of 240 guestrooms and renovation of several ballrooms, meeting rooms and the business center. The Empire and State luxury suites on the 44th floor are currently undergoing a $1-million refurbishment.

Six other hotels in the Northeast recently completed or are in the middle of upgrading programs:

• About $13 million was spent to upgrade guestrooms and public spaces at the Hilton Boston Financial District.

• At the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana (DE), an $11-million renovation included guestrooms, public spaces, meeting rooms, fitness center, executive lounge and a new Starbucks outlet.

• In Connecticut, the Hilton Mystic underwent a $7.4-million refresh of all guestrooms and public spaces. Part of the investment went to improve the hotel’s exterior, landscaping and pool deck. The hotel’s gym was also upgraded.

• The Hilton Pearl River north and west of New York City received a $3-million upgrading to its guestrooms and bathrooms. This year, $1.5 million will be spent to add flat-screen TVs and new carpeting to guestrooms, as well as improvements to the business center, lobby lounge and fitness center.

• Near $2.3 million was spent at the Hilton Times Square in most areas of the property: lobby, restaurant, meeting rooms and guestrooms.

• In March, a four-month, multi-million-dollar renovation will be complete at the Hilton Rye Town in Westchester County, NY. The project includes a total rehab of all 446 guest units, including completely remodeled bathrooms, new furnishings and the additon of 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Also being revitalized are the property’s 32,000 square feet of meeting facilities and pre-function space.

In Canada, renovation projects are either underway or recently completed at the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure, Hilton Toronto Airport, Hilton Toronto, Hilton Quebec and the Hilton Saint John.