A 100-unit
The Durango Planning Commission approved early plans for the hotel Monday, but the plans will be reviewed by the Durango City Council and the Planning Commission again.
“The area by the mall and Vantiv is a great location for a hotel because it’s right off the highway, easy to get in and out of,” said Commissioner Joe Lewandowski, in an interview.
The hotel will be three stories, and the design will incorporate stone, stucco, and wood, similar to the nearby Homewood Suites and the La Quinta Inn, according to city documents. A fire pit and an outdoor-seating area are also planned.
It will also include bike storage, so guests could use the nearby Animas River Trail to cycle to downtown.
Premier Hospitality plans to start construction in spring 2017, said Imesh Vaidya, the CEO. His company is a franchisee of Marriott.
“We like Durango for its stability, the fact it’s not 100 percent tourist based,” he said.
So far this year, hotels in Durango have had a 73 percent occupancy rate, he said.
The hotel will have only suites, and it is aimed at the corporate traveler who plans to stay a few nights, he said.
The company plans to use as many local contractors as possible, but they must have experience.
This is the latest in a string of new hotels built in town in recently.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott was finished this summer just west of the DoubleTree Hotel on U.S. Highway 160.
La Quinta Inn and Suites across Turner Drive from the proposed hotel is also a new addition.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
