Out with the old and in with the new

By Ryan Jones

Travelers in the city of Windsor have a new place to rest their heads.

After two years-in-the-making, management has opened the doors to the Holiday Inn Express. Since the 1990s, the hotel at 33 Riverside Dr. has been known as the Travelodge Hotel Downtown Windsor. This is no longer the case. The official opening day for the new hotel in Windsor’s downtown core took place Sept. 21.

Ironwood Management was the overseeing corporation for the renovations. Tyler McDiarmid, CEO of the company, said the hotel needed improvements. He said he hopes the fresh look will improve business finances and attract a diversity of consumers.  

“The hotel was in pretty rough shape when it was acquired by its current owners in 2015. The plan was to give it a complete overhaul and bring it to [a] new condition. The Holiday Inn Express brand was seen as a good opportunity to drive corporate business to the downtown,” said McDiarmid.

The new style is geared towards business travelers and has colour-coded floor levels. This helps guests remember which floor they are staying on by associating with colour rather than number. The hotel contains 156 guest rooms, a workout facility and a pool, which is still under construction. The regular room rate is $259 plus tax.  

Heather Nantau, director of sales for Holiday Inn Express, said the hotel is ideal for group bookings such as wedding receptions and sport events. Nantau said the biggest event that brings in the most people are Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre swim meets.

“There’s the demand in the area and our hotel as Travelodge needed a refresh. There’s definitely the clientele and need for accommodation,” said Nantau. “Our biggest challenge at our hotel is our parking. It’s all how we deliver that message and set our guest expectations.”

Nantau said parking space is limited on hotel grounds, but there is an accessible parking garage across the street.

With city views, innovative technology and modern style, Nantau said the success is “just gonna happen.”