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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) — It could be an important step in finding an owner for the Charleston House Hotel. Ramada is putting its name on the building, as its owners continue to look for a buyer.
Officials say getting a brand name back on the hotel could help it get a lot more attention.
The hotel was part of the Holiday Inn chain until late 2010. It’s been operating strictly under the name Charleston House Hotel since then. GF Management has been managing the hotel.
Officials point out the building is in a prime location along Kanawha Boulevard, with ample space for convention groups, but the hotel has struggled to find a buyer.
“The purchase price is a steal,” says Charleston Mayor Danny Jones. “If somebody’s going to undertake it, they’re going to have to renovate it. It would be pretty expensive.”
Officials estimate that would cost around $12 million.
The hotel has already started operating under the Ramada brand, with the hotel listed on the national chain’s web site, along with the Ramada in South Charleston. Currently, both are labeled as “Ramada Charleston.”
Patty Bradley, president and CEO of the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, hopes having the hotel connected with a nationally recognized brand will generate some more interest.
“We desperately need that property for convention because without it, we’re at a completely different level,” says Bradley.
Jones adds, “We need some upscale rooms in this town to attract people when we’re trying to get city-wide groups to come here.” Jones says he continues to talk with prospective buyers.
With the renovations at Haddad Riverfront Park, the area remains a popular spot for local and out-of-town groups, but not so much with buyers.
A deal to sell the hotel fell through a few months ago, and the slow economic recovery has left many people feeling cautious.
“But as the economy comes up, I think people are going to be looking at that and saying, ‘Oh, that’s the premiere location in town,’” says Bradley.
From www.wsaz.com
