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15 Main Street, Suite 210
Freeport, Maine 04032
207-865-6105
info@mchg.com |
03/26/2009
New hotel focus: Rockport: New owners opening 79 units with business focus in May (Gloucester Daily)By Jonathan L'Ecuyer, Gloucester Daily Times, Mass.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News
Mar. 24--ROCKPORT -- The defunct Sandy Bay Motor Inn has a new identity -- Rockport Inn & Suites -- as a result of a significant facelift funded by its new owners, Maine Course Hospitality Group.
Now, boasting 79 rooms and suites, a fitness center and a Gunite-lined indoor pool, the five-acre property is poised to once again be ready to serve Cape Ann as the region's largest hotel.
At a time when Gloucester officials are contemplating the possibility of two new hotels across from one another on either side of the Route 128 Extension, the Rockport Inn & Suites is aiming to open in May as Cape Ann's premiere, year-round hotel, said Sean Riley, Maine Course Hospitality Group's chief operating officer.
"We want to try to fit a niche, not take business away from the bed and breakfasts," Riley said yesterday. "We want to fit into the community as a high level, but moderately-priced, hotel."
As part of a top-to-bottom renovation, each room now features a 32-inch LCD, high definition, flat-panel television, new bathrooms and guest rooms, with a renovated indoor pool, a fitness room, public spaces and three meeting rooms.
"This hotel will offer similar amenities to the leading hotel brands including a business center, high-speed wireless access and complimentary continental breakfast," Riley said.
Peter Anastos -- a principal with Maine Course Hospitality Group, which also operates hotels managed by Marriott, Best Western, Hampton Inn and Hilton -- purchased the 183 Main St. hotel last June for $2.1 million. The former owners of the Sandy Bay Motor Inn had closed the facility following the 2006 season after 30 years in business.
Yesterday, Riley announced the appointment of Matt Anzivino as general manager of the Rockport Inn & Suites. Most recently, Anzivino operated the Stone Horse Resort on Cape Cod. Prior to that, Anzivino was involved with management of a number of Marriott hotels including a Courtyard and Residence Inn around Boston.
"We could not have asked for a more perfect fit," Riley said. "Matt has the quality experience of working with Marriott, but has also revived an older independent property and taken it through an extensive renovation."
Riley said Rockport Inn & Suites is the group's only independent property and first Cape Ann venture. Riley said the inn would continue a Sandy Bay Motor Inn tradition of allowing local residents use of the pool as a dues-paying member, a practice Anzivino believes will restore the inn as a major local attraction.
"I have seen the quality hotels Maine Course owns and operates and am excited to bring this local Rockport hotel back to its glory," Anzivino said.
According to the hotel's still-evolving Web site (www.rockportinnandsuites.com) three room types will be offered. The basic, or "traditional" rooms feature a king bed or two queen-size beds while the mini suites offer a pull-out sofa and sitting area in addition to the sleeping arrangements of a traditional room. The most luxurious offering is a two-room suite, which includes a living room and king bed upstairs.
Each guest room includes the flat-panel television with HBO, guest-controlled heat and air conditioning and other conveniences, including a coffee maker, microwave, mini fridge, iron and hair dryer.
According to the Rockport Chamber of Commerce, the 79-room facility accounts for nearly 20 percent of Rockport's rooms for overnight guests.
The inn's opening as a year-round facility -- and a hotel geared in part toward business travelers -- comes as Gloucester Crossing developer Sam Park moves ahead with plans for a hotel at his mixed-use development site on one side of the Route 128 Extension, and while a Maryland-based development group headed by David Hill seeks a Gloucester zoning change to pave the way for a Hampton Inn & Suites on the Blackburn Industrial park site now occupied by Cape Ann Medical Center.
Anastos, however, said his group has focused solely on the former Sandy Bay property.
"What I liked about this (facility) was that it was close to downtown," Anastos said. "We saw the opportunity and went for it. As far as towns go, Rockport's as nice as it gets."
Jonathan L'Ecuyer can be reached at jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
Contact sean@mchg.biz
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| 08/04/2009 - Bath Welcomes New Hampton InnBath, ME August 4, 2009 — Paul Lohnes, a principal in Freeport-based Maine Course Hospitality Group, (MCHG) and a group of investors, have begun construction on a 94-unit Hampton Inn. The new hotel will be located on Front Street in Bath. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held at the site on August 4th and a summer 2010 opening is expected. Hampton Inn . . . | 07/02/2009 - All-New Rockport Hotel Opens DoorsRockport, MA July 2, 2009—The Rockport Inn and Suites, located at 183 Main Street, Rockport, MA just opened its doors to the public. The hotel has been given official word that it can once again serve the people of Rockport. So far, visitors are overwhelmed by the positive changes. Matt Anzivino, General Manager, explains, “With over 400 people applying for . . . | Gilford, NH May 25, 2009—The TownePlace Suites by Marriott, located at 14 Sawmill Rd in Gilford, NH received official word from Marriott, that it could open its doors for business.
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| With the increasing global awareness for sustainable business practices, the Courtyard by Marriott in South Portland, incorporated programs that led to obtaining the State of Maine Environmental Leader Certification. “We are proud that our facility has accomplished this level of achievement” said Dayna Riley, General Manager, “It’s the right course to protect the environment for our associates, guests, and future . . .
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| Gilford, NH July 11, 2008 — Paul Lohnes, a principal in Freeport-based Maine Course Hospitality Group, (MCHG) and a group of investors, will begin construction on a 75 unit TownePlace Suites by Marriott. The new hotel will be located in Gilford Common in Gilford, NH, at the intersection of Route 3 & 11A. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held at the site . . .
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