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Butler County has seen explosive growth in the hotel industry, especially along the stretch of Interstate 75 between the Union Centre Boulevard and Liberty Way interchanges.
The hotel industry’s explosive growth has been a shot in the arm for the county’s lodging tax, which soared to nearly $1.1 million in 2015 and could exceed $1.4 million for 2016. That’s a far cry from the $655,106 in lodging tax amassed in 2006 and the years that followed, especially the declines experienced in 2009 and 2010.
When Concord Hospitality Enterprises Co. purchased and renovated the former Hamiltonian property in 2009 at a cost of about $12 million, Stidham said the property became a focal point for the city’s downtown revitalization.
“Concord has faith in us that we are doing a good job here and it shows when they are approving this type of renovation,” he said.
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New tables and furniture with a very modern design make the lobby look like it is brand new.
“The competition is always growing so you want to stay current and relevant,” Stidham said. “Earlier last year we had the designers come in and they came in and chose the color schemes, art work, and tried to make the hotel unique.”
Fortunately for the hotel, the renovations were slated for January and February and are scheduled to be completed in late March.
“For the most part, those are the slower months in the hotel industry,” Stidham said. “So when you get to our busier times — April, May, June — then we are not turning away business.”
Not only was the lobby part of the renovation mix, but the ballroom, fitness area, swimming pool, outside patio and the rooms are undergoing upgrades and changes.
Newly renovated guest rooms are full of modern amenities, including the ability for guests to connect to their own Netflix account free of charge.
Stidham said that hotel is positioning itself to take on all challengers in the industry, yet remaining a place of business that locals can relate to.
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“There has obviously been ups and downs for us, but the vision to have a quality hotel has never been clearer,” Stidham said. “I think things have been very good so far and will only to continue to get better.”
Longtime Hamilton resident Dave Belew said the hotel’s restaurant is “by far the best kept secret in town.”
“This place is very good,” he said of the Plaza One Grille restaurant “It should be packed everyday for lunch.”
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