Hoteliers breathe new life into outdated properties and keep some quirky components

A number of 1960s and 1970s hotels are suddenly receiving some TLC ... On the upscale side, a handful of the properties were designed and developed by John Portman, the legendary architect who gave birth to the "atrium hotel" concept, complete with massive lobby sculptures and glass elevators.

Hyatt, Starwood and the owners of the old Holiday Inns are among hoteliers that have been forced to rethink these older, if not yet classic, properties, as new hotel supply is at a virtual standstill and lodging financing, especially for larger properties, remains a challenge.