CLERMONT, FL The yet-to-be-built Champion s Inn Hotel & Conference Center here is planning to open its doors in January of 2002 without the benefit of any major brand affiliation.
According to Bob Riddle, managing member of Atlanta-based Atlantic Hotel Group LLC, developer/operator/owner of the project, the property doesn t need to carry a major flag; it s contracted to open with a 76% occupancy level. Furthermore, the 111-suite facility is slated to be operating at 107% occupancy by year three.
Riddle noted that about the only way a name brand would be invited into the $16-million project is if lenders insist on such an inclusion. Even then, he said, that brand would have to be very flexible in its dealings with the property. (2/26/01) Michael Billig