New hotel open ahead of schedule

Friday, November 17, 2006

By Rodney Hart

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

Quincy's new Country Inn and Suites by Carlson is open and ahead of occupation projections.

The hotel south of Home Depot at 110 N. 54th Street opened Nov. 2 and is already operating at about 50 percent occupancy. Koretta Sykes, director of sales and marketing, says several big events are already planned at the 93-room facility.

"We were at 50 percent occupancy (this week), and normally it takes about two months to get there," Sykes said. "We've done some radio commercials, word of mouth and I've done some cold-calling and interfacing with area businesses since July."

Rooms range from $95 to $500 a night. Sykes said everything in the hotel is custom-designed, from plush furniture and a large gas fireplace in the lobby to a concierge floor.

"We have an attendant on the concierge floor, and if you want coffee brought to your room, it's just like having your own butler," Sykes said.

The hotel employs about 30 people. The first big event in the 500-seat banquet facility is a doctor's party Dec. 1, and Sykes said there are one or two major events every weekend in December.

"We have a full event-planning staff available to take care of every need, whether it's corporate or a wedding," Sykes said.

Country Inn and Suites will have a New Year's Eve ball open to the public. The party is formal but no tuxedos will be required, and it will feature dinner, dancing and midnight champagne. Packages are also available for overnight stays and a brunch on New Year's Day.

A free shuttle service with a 20-mile radius is also offered for guests. Travelers at Quincy Regional Airport can contact the hotel with the push of a button upon arrival at the airport, and a similar arrangement is being worked out for the Quincy Amtrak station, Sykes said.

Country Inn and Suites is owned and operated by Quincy Hotels LLC. For more information, contact Sykes at 222-8949.

Contact Staff Writer Rodney Hart at rhart@whig.com or (217) 221-3370