During its annual conference in November the Best Western Hotels & Resorts board of directors approved “Premier” status for the planned City of Saline hotel. [1,2]
Best Western currently has over 4,200 hotels and resorts, in more than 100 countries. Approximately 125 of these are Premier class, half of which are located in Europe.
Saline Lodging Group, developer on this hotel project, worked eight months in preparation for making its successful Premier application. Originally proposed to our community as a Best Western Plus, it was the character of Saline itself that helped lead to thinking about this upgrade. [3]
“Premier is a level of services and amenities on par with Hyatt Place, Hilton Garden Inn, and Courtyard by Marriott,” explained Mark Kuykendall, Saline Lodging Group managing partner.
“When you advance to Premier status, you are now designing to standards criteria, as opposed to following specified form and layout. ‘Premier’ reflects its host location, which means the location must have an exceptional substance and feel to reflect.”
Part of this environment is undoubtedly the international affiliations for which we are known here. Noting our Lindenberg sister city relationship, Mr Kuykendall observes that almost two dozen Best Western Premier hotels are situated throughout Germany, in addition to many other locations in Europe and Asia.
“Overall, we are talking about sophisticated guests,” he continued.
“Our mix of room types and amenity offerings reflects this, caters to the needs of a mix of numerous and varied Saline demand generators.
“We can support the global manufacturers located in this area with longer-term accommodations for executive transplants and VIP customers, as well as visitors in town for weddings, community events and sports competitions.
“Guests will be well taken care of at our new hotel and will have the opportunity to enjoy the many Saline restaurants and shops along the one mile stretch from the Eastgate area to our vibrant downtown.”
“Every investment in the City of Saline and every business is important,” emphasized Mayor Brian Marl. “Additionally, there are some businesses that breed economic activity for the community as a whole. This promises to be one of those. It is indicative of the credentials of Mark Kuykendall and the three decades of experience of his team.”
The Saline hotel will be located directly across the street from the historic Rentschler Farm Museum and the luxury Emagine Theater. Local residents will have a full service lodging facility to accommodate family members and friends who come into town for seasonal visits, reunions, graduations, funerals, and to stay connected with older relatives in area retirement centers.
There is currently just one Best Western Premier location in Michigan — in Southfield. [4]
Exceptional as that place is, Saline will be far from a cookie-cutter take on its fine design and decor. But a look at its bar, banquet room, fitness center, and restaurant will provide a good feel for the level of quality our community can expect to open here on East Michigan Avenue in the next year or so.
Today, there are about two dozen Best Western Premier Hotels in the United States. The Saline location will be one of about a dozen new construction Premier Hotels currently being added to that exclusive list.
Meantime, Saline Lodging Group is currently working through the final site plan review process with the City of Saline. Approval is one of the last few steps to take before groundbreaking.
References
- Best Western Hotels & Resorts/x (home page).”
- Best Western Premier” Best Western Hotels & Resorts.
- “Best Western Plus” Best Western Hotels & Resorts.
- “BW Premier Best Western: Detroit Southfield Hotel” Best Western Hotels & Resorts.
