By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–A large crowd was on hand for today’s Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting at the Hampton Inn in Paris.
City officials were enthusiastic in welcoming the Hampton Inn to Paris and Hampton officials were enthusiastic in complimenting local officials and citizens on their hospitality to them.
Paris City Manager Kim Foster said, “We’re thrilled to welcome you here.” She recounted the story of how she and Community Development Director Jennifer Morris met Owner Victor Patel when he dropped by City Hall a couple years ago. She described how she and Morris drove Patel around town showing him what Paris offered.
“We knew we were losing business travelers because we didn’t have a facility like this,” Foster said. “We wanted to say how excited we are for this to be here and for the employment it brings. It’s just a wonderful facility. Thank you, Victor, for believing in us.”
Patel said, “A lot of people made this happen. This is a great day and people might ask, ‘Why do you do it?’ and it’s because of this, seeing all these people here today and seeing a lot of happiness. I’ve never seen a town where the people are so welcoming.”
In comments before the ribbon-cutting, Paris-Henry County Chamber President Justin Oliver said the new Hampton Inn has been operating at 70-80 percent occupancy since it opened. “That shows you how much it was needed,” he said.
Michelle Arline, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Knoxville-based Gibson Hospitality Management Co. said Hampton officials were “very impressed by your hospitality. We can’t thank you enough.”
Noting that the Hampton sells several locally-made goods such as Paris pottery by Amanda Mason of Ginkgo Pottery Studio and Jack’s Java, Ro Edrada of Gibson Hotels said his company “takes pride in being part of the community. We want local artists and local vendors to tell the local story.”
Mockingbird Catering of Paris provided a tasty spread of food for everyone, supplies and donations were collected for REAL Hope Center and The Community Fund and gift baskets and door prizes were given out. Everyone was encouraged to take tours of the hotel and its amenities.
The 72-room hotel will join the Hampton by Hilton family of more than 2,000 Hampton by Hilton and Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton hotels. The hotel, located at 1540 Mineral Wells Ave Paris, TN 38242 and is managed by Gibson Hospitality Management Inc.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Paris is nearby popular area attractions including Eiffel Tower Park, and the Paris Landing State Park. Many business and corporate offices including Tosh Farms, Clifty Farm, and Bethel University are all located in close proximity. Guests can enjoy fishing tournaments throughout the season and boating on the Kentucky Lake.
“We are looking forward to providing best in class Hospitality to our guests visiting the region and offering a well-known Top Brand name such as Hilton to the area,” according to said General Manager Lynn Mcka. “Additionally, our location to corporate offices in Paris and surrounding cities such as McKenzie and Murray makes our hotel a perfect choice for leisure and business travelers alike.”
The hotel provides guests a fresh start to each day with On the House hot breakfast which includes eggs, oatmeal and waffles. In addition, the hotel provides Hampton’s On the RunTM Breakfast Bags filled with energy bars, muffins, apples, water and mints for those guests on the go, available Monday through Friday.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Paris also offers amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center with complimentary printing, a 594 square foot meeting room and a fitness center.
Each guestroom includes high-quality features, including the brand’s signature Clean and fresh Hampton bed®, 40-inch LCD TV, microwave, refrigerator and coffeemaker. Inviting suites are also available, offering additional space and a comfortable sleeper sofa. Each guest is guaranteed to be satisfied with every stay, or they don’t pay, and that’s the 100% Hampton Guarantee®.
Designed as an extension of the guestroom with a variety of seating and lighting options for both leisure and business travelers, the new hotel features the Perfect Mix Lobby. Within the lobby guests can find TREATS, a food and beverage shop filled with snacks, toiletries, local merchandise, and drinks for purchase.
For more information or to make reservations, please visit Hampton Inn by Hilton Paris or call +1-731-407-7274.
Photo by Shannon McFarlin.