NATIONAL REPORT—A segue from a branded hotel to an independent and some flagged openings are in focus today.
Breakwater Hotel at the Beach Reopens
In Florida, the Days Inn Amelia Island has reopened as the 3.5-star boutique hotel Breakwater Hotel at the Beach.
The new independent plans to undergo a multimillion-dollar renovation this year and already has set in motion a $250,000 revamp it expects to have completed by the end of February. This will include an upgraded breakfast buffet with hot breakfast items, new door locks, new carpeting in first-floor guestrooms and new mattresses in each guestroom.
The property is seeking to transform to a four-star resort, and plans to completely renovate guestrooms and feature hardwood floors, advanced technology and enhanced amenities. Other planned features include a large swimming pool with lazy river, a fitness center and business center, more than 4,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and completely renovated lobby and bar area.
“We plan to complete these projects during the slower periods of the year to ensure our guests enjoy their stays,” said property spokeswoman Jill Morgenthaler.
Two Wyndham-Brand Properties Debut
A pet-friendly hotel on Highway 129 has opened in Gray, GA. The Knights Inn Gray is proximate to some of the area’s top attractions, including Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, Jarrell Plantation Historic Site and Macon Centreplex Coliseum. It has an outdoor pool and free WiFi.
In Albuquerque, NM, the Baymont Inn & Suites Albuquerque Airport has opened at 2601 Mulberry St. SE off I-25. The hotel has free breakfast, WiFi, airport shuttle service, a heated outdoor pool, fitness center and business center. The Baymont Inn is near the Albuquerque Convention Center and University of New Mexico.