Residence Inn completes renovations

MERRILLVILLE | The Residence Inn Merrillville has transformed itself into an upscale hotel after completing renovations on its 78 rooms and public spaces.

Owned by RLJ Development LLC and managed by White Lodging Services, the 15–year–old hotel located at the intersection of Interstate 65 and U.S. 30 began its revitalization Jan. 3. Crews worked every day to transform the hotel in six weeks, said Residence Inn general manager Jason Crumpacker.

"It was so well planned," he said. "Anytime a room is out of service we're losing revenue. They planned it tight and pushed hard and got a lot done."

Crumpacker said most hotels do small updates to its property every six years and a complete renovation every 12 years.

"We were a few years past the optimal time for that because of the recession," he said. "Things slowed down a little. But it was time to update the hotel."

Guest suites have been completely redesigned with the addition of new carpeting, flooring, bedding, lighting, wall vinyl, sleeper sofa, kitchen appliances, sinks, bathtubs and surrounds, granite countertops, vanities, mirrors and flat–screen televisions.

The hotel's public area upgrades include a new custom décor, carpeting, wall vinyl and furniture. The gatehouse can accommodate more guests, the fitness area has been upgraded and a new brick patio with fire pit has been added to the outdoor seating area.

Diane Mayer, Residence Inn vice president and global brand manager, said when guests are on the road for an extended period of time they need space to spread out and restore their energy.

"Residence Inn offers a seamless blend of modern style and functionality that allows them to settle in and thrive," she said.

Although primarily an extended stay hotel – some guest stay there for weeks and months – Crumpacker said a lot of visitors book rooms on weekends for concerts at the adjacent Star Plaza Theatre.