CHAPEL HILL – We’ll have to wait a little longer for Carrboro’s first hotel to open its doors, according to Kevin Rooney, General Manager for the Hampton Inn and Suites Carrboro/Chapel Hill. The plan was to open Friday, but Rooney says next Wednesday will be the official grand opening if everything goes according to schedule.
“It is just construction delays and getting the last few things situated, and getting our Certificate of Occupancy, which was issued yesterday [Thursday],” Rooney says. “We were waiting on the elevator inspection to get completed, which they were yesterday [Thursday].”
The hotel, at 370 East Main St., will have a staff of about 40. Rooney says it will bring-in out-of-town visitors for events such as UNC basketball and football games, move-in days, Homecoming, and other large-scale events.
“We’ll host weddings and different types of functions like corporate events and different types of functions. We are ready to get going,” Rooney says.
Rooney says the Hampton features small, medium and large conference rooms, named for UNC’s basketball coaches, Sylvia Hatchell, Dean Smith and Roy Williams.
Annette Stone, Carrboro’s Community and Economic Development Director, says the hotel is a perfect fit for Downtown.
“I think it will be very helpful to local restaurants,” Stone says. “Everyone is really looking forward to having to the overnight stays and the visitors so close to us. I think the visitors will love it that they can actually stay and be right there at Cat’s Cradle and the Arts Center.”
The hotel is a product of its environment, Rooney says, as it features artwork from Kalisher Art Studios, which is across the street.
“We were able to utilize all of their art work in all of our guest rooms. It’s one way that we are giving back to the community,” Rooney says.
The Hampton also has swimming pool and deck on the second floor, a feature not offered by competitors, the FrankliInn and Carolina Inn.
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