Holiday Inn opens doors for business

By Marlo Fulmore
Around the Campus Editor
Jan. 28, 2010

Photo by Tony Lewis

Holiday Inn Express, located at 605 Redmond Road, opened for business Jan. 20. It is the first Native American owned hotel in the South.

Pembroke’s new Holiday Inn Express, located at 605 Redmond Road, opened Jan. 20. after a year long building process.

The three story establishment is the first in the South to be totally Native American owned, financed and built. It was financed by Lumbee Guaranty Bank and built by MetCon, a Native American owned construction company.

“It’s a much needed facility for Pembroke to grow. It is not only a business enterprise but a place for the community. We want it to be a unique place, not just where people come to eat and sleep, but a place that serves the community,” said John Tyler, one of the hotel’s main investors.

Business for the first week was slow, according to General Manager James Chavis, but the hotel did receive a crowd from those who visited the Boogie Wonder Band concert Jan. 23.

Photos by Tony Lewis

Holiday Inn Express features king and double queen sized beds with 37” HD plasma televisions in the rooms as well as lobby. The subtle black and gold colors were designed to represent the hotel’s relationship with the universtiy. Wireless Internet is also available throughout the facility.

“Traditionally, in the hotel industry, January is a slow month. We have a lot of bookings for February,” Chavis said.

Most of the hotel’s business is expected to come from the University.

“We knew that the University would be a major source. We have a tremendous amount of people coming in from the athletic department and the Givens Performing Arts Center. The chancellor candidates coming in will be staying here, also,” Chavis said.

There are 64 rooms, including six suites, a fitness center, outdoor pool and a meeting room that can accommodate up to 100 people.

The current hotel staff includes 14 full-time employees and up to eight part-time employees, several of whom are UNCP students.

“As we grow we will be adding more positions,” Chavis said.

This development is the first of many different businesses to come.

“This is our first division of Dr. Meadors, and even the current Chancellor’s, vision of bringing a hotel here. We’re hopefully looking for a national restaurant to come in, maybe a Chili’s or Applebees,” Chavis said.

For rates contact James Chavis at 910-521- 1311 or Toll Free at 800- 315-2621. You can also visit online at www.hiexpress. com.