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Among the many notable changes is the relocation of
the breakfast area. The front room that was once a casual eat-in
area for guests is now a comfortable front lobby with sofas, chairs,
and a business center with computers and internet access.
The former meeting room at the motel has been
transitioned to a very comfortable breakfast room that seats about
30 at a time. Guests enjoy a full hot breakfast prepared on-site in
the kitchen next door to the breakfast room.
The guest rooms have been completely re-done with new colors, new,
modern fixtures and comfortable beds and seating.
This week, marketing specialist for the HVM, Jean Bruner-Jachino,
walked through the newly remodeled rooms, pointing out the
significant changes and improvements in the rooms.
One of the favorite rooms now is the Executive King
room that includes a king size bed plus a very comfortable seating
area with a sectional sofa and other seating. All the rooms have
updated coffee nooks with Keurig coffee maker, microwave and
refrigerator.
The motel also offers a King Suite option as well as queen and
double queen rooms.
The bathroom vanities have been updated with new
cabinetry and sink tops.
Bruner-Jachino said that she is excited about all the
great, positive changes in the building and is looking forward to
marketing the new brand and new comforts offered at the Lincoln
Comfort Inn.
She commented, “The goal is always to bring people to our community.
We are owned by a local family and they are invested in helping to
grow and improve our community.”
Assistant Manager Tina Simpson is also happy with the changes.
Simpson is one of the fine examples of growing a local business with
local people. She noted that she began her career with HVM in 2009
working two days a week at the Hampton Inn, located on the other
side of the road, also owned by HVM. She worked her way into a
fulltime position then started working toward management. When HVM purchased the Holiday Inn Express,
Simpson was moved to the new location as the assistant manager
working under Damon Priddy, general manager for both the Hampton and
Comfort Inns.
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 Simpson said that she enjoys being a part of the
locally owned motel and she knows that the people she works for are
caring and committed to serving the community and also to taking
care of staff. She noted that promoting from within gives staff the
opportunity to grow with the company, and that is a really good
thing. For example, she also noted that the staff enjoys the
implementation of employee days when they are allowed to wear a
specific shirt for a specific cause or charity. She noted for
example that the group looks forward to Pink Friday’s in October for
breast cancer awareness.
Asked about why leave Holiday Inn and go to Comfort Inn, Simpson and
Bruner –Jachino explained the decision.
According to the two, the Holiday Inn franchise is
undergoing a re-branding of their own called a ‘blue format.’ It
appeared the local motel would be required to go with the format,
which would mean a complete tear down of the existing building and
the construction of a new motel.
Paulus and Beyers were not willing to demolish a building that is
very recognizable in the community and still in perfectly good
condition. Simpson said that the current building is only 24 years
old, and in very good shape.
Choice Motels on the other hand, was more than happy to see the
building stay in place. The remodel was extensive, but in the end,
when customers come into town, they see the same motel they have
seen for the last 24 years, just with a different name.
Simpson said that the motel does get a lot of return visitors, and
with the name change came some skepticism from those customers. Many
were concerned that the motel had changed ownership, and they like
doing business with a local family. But once they were back in the
motel and saw the same management, the same staff, and the same
quality service they have come to expect, they have all been very
happy with the updated rooms and amenities.
Bruner-Jachino said that the owners and staff have enjoyed their
relationship with Holiday Inn and that the motel always scored high
points for their cleanliness, and the efficient and friendly staff.
They are now looking forward to developing that same top quality
service, setting high standards and becoming a favorite location for
the Choice Motel line.
Simpson pointed out that the motel décor helps to
draw attention to some of the local flavor of the community. She
noted that the photo art in the guest rooms as well as in other
areas of the building are all scenes taken on the campus of Lincoln
College.
Bruner-Jachino said that the owners are always looking to improve and evolve the motel to what
is needed and wanted by the customers and the community.
She noted that Paulus and Beyers are always entertaining new ideas
and new amenities for the motel, and even though everything looks
perfect as it is, there are still a few new additions that will be
coming in the future.
Simpson said remodeling the 69 guest rooms as well as common areas
was quite an undertaking for the motel. The work began in October of
2018 with a whole lot of fresh paint. Then the third floor guest
rooms were closed and completely remodeled. From the third floor the
construction moved to the first floor then finally ended with the
completion of the second floor. Simpson said that the motel was
actually closed only a few days at a time two or three times
throughout the process.
She noted that they also took a break from construction this past
February when the basketball tournaments were in town. But
all-in-all the work was done and the official name change took place
on August 2nd of this year.
The ribbon cutting will be held at 9 a.m. on
Wednesday, October 16th and the public is invited. Paulus, Beyers,
Priddy, Simpson and Bruner-Jachino and staff look forward to
offering tours that will include visits to guest rooms, the
breakfast area and lobby as well as the new fitness center.
The Comfort Inn & Suites is located on the city’s west side next
door to Russell Stover Candy and across the street from Thornton’s
at 2811 Woodlawn Road in Lincoln.
We hope to see you all on October 16th.
[Nila Smith] |
