Extended-day hotel to mark grand opening

TOURISM

Targeting the extended-stay traveler, Homewood Suites' new Charleston location aims to create a home away from home with a Caribbean feel.

The hotel on International Boulevard near the airport and the convention center will celebrate its grand opening Thursday. But its sales director, Emily Zirpola, said the property has been nearly at capacity since it began receiving guests in June.

With a sister hotel in Mount Pleasant, this property marks Homewood's second venture in the area. It was developed by locally based Bennett-Hofford Co.

Catering to the traveler staying five or more nights, the chain plays up the little things. In Homewood tradition, it offers a complimentary light meal on evenings Monday through Thursday in a dining room featuring a hardwood floor. The property, part of the Hilton line, provides two grills on the patio and grocery shopping for guests at no additional charge.

The rooms offer full-size refrigerators and marble-topped kitchen counters and stove settings, plus at least one 32-inch flat-screen television and at least one ceiling fan. Homewood's fitness area includes the new Precor line.

The rooms showcase prints by local artist Jonathan Green amid a theme of wood and earth tones. But the hotel's Caribbean feel stops at the outdoor pool which, as Zirpola warns, "isn't heated, so it's for the daring."

The property includes 45 studio, 75 one-bedroom and nine two-bedroom units aimed at people on government contracts or other long-term projects. "It's not for the typical corporate traveler," Zirpola said.

But with rates starting at $159 per night, it could be.

Despite its proximity to the Charleston Area Convention Center, Zirpola said the hotel wasn't designed for corporate meetings for groups not staying the night. But now she's not so sure it won't trend in that direction.

"People don't think of it as typical meeting space, but with occupancy where it is, I would welcome meetings," she said.

Familiar face

Jennifer Jo Morgan, former manager of Circa 1886 on The Wentworth Mansion property, is back to manage the luxury downtown inn.

Morgan spent the past few years running a bed-and-breakfast she and her husband purchased on Wellesley Island in New York, her home state. She worked at Circa 1886, a AAA Four Diamond, Mobil Four Star restaurant, 1999-2005.

In her new role, Morgan replaces Bob Seidler, who became general manager of The Woodlands Resort & Inn in Summerville last month.

Reach Allyson Bird at 937-5594 or abird@postandcourier.com.

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