BY MAREK KRASUSKI
On Feb. 1, the international hotel chain Marriott opened its doors at the newly built facility on Palm Dairy Rd. near The Kingsway and Barrydowne.
The robust competition from established chains with their own clientele did not deter David Hornstein and Robert Higgins from investing in a multi-million dollar high-end development.
The local business environment, said Hornstein, could easily accommodate another establishment.
“We heard consistently Sudbury needed more hotel rooms because the market was strong,” he said.
The investors commissioned a study which confirmed the market could handle more competition.
Hornstein and Higgins bring to the operation of the Marriott Fairfield a history of business success in the hotel industry. They opened their first Sleep Inn in Sault Ste Marie in 1996, followed by a second in Bracebridge four years later.
Their accomplishments include two gold award winners for product and service excellence from the Choice Hotel chain, the Sleep Inn’s parent company.
With its extended canopy, soft exterior colours and mult-level roof line, the Sudbury Marriott Fairfield emanates a genteel ambience, an effect that Hornstein said is designed to create a homey, relaxing atmosphere.
“Marriott is conscious of the use of materials, design, fabrics and colours to put the guest at ease. This is especially true for our corporate clients who are on the road a lot and are looking for a home away from home.”
The hotel is equipped with an exercise room, salt water swimming pool, laundry facilities high speed Internet and other amenities. Additional safety measures exceeding Ontario building code requirements were integrated into the building’s design.
Described as a high end hotel with mid-priced rates, the Sudbury hotel room rentals range from $97 to $175.
The company’s patriarch, J.W. Marriott, opened his first motor inn in the 1950s. Today the family-run hotel chain owns or franchises more than 4,000 rooms worldwide.
Tim Lee is the general manager of the new hotel. The three storey location has 81 rooms, 22 of which are suites complete with a lounge area, two televisions and other amenities.
Investing in a Marriott franchise was no small matter. The owners had to demonstrate to the corporation that they were suitable stewards of an international chain that prides itself on a consistent level of quality worldwide. A Marriott official from the Washington, D.C., head office flew to the Sault to inspect their existing properties, management structure and operations.
“Marriott is very keen on ensuring high levels of service standards, so it’s difficult for an individual to obtain a franchise,” Hornstein explained.
