BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — According to its website, the new Holiday Inn Express just south of Starke is set to begin hosting guests on April 20.
The site says the hotel is accepting reservations. According to the chamber of commerce, some have scheduled stays, although they could not confrim the opening date.
Calls to the hotel’s local number were not answered.
The 80-room hotel required a variance to construct a fourth story, but county commissioners didn’t stand in the way of the development. At the time the estimated assessed property value for a new commercial development this size was $2.5 million, which was said would generate $40,000 in additional tax revenue for the county. In addition, the city of Starke will benefit from water and wastewater utility revenue, and the new beds will generate additional tourist tax revenue. Project advocates also pointed to the benefits to local retail businesses, service stations and restaurants.
The entire hotel is smoke-free. It features King rooms with one bed and Queen rooms with two. King rooms range from $142 to $149, according to Booking.com, depending on whether you pay upfront. Queen rooms are $159 to $179 depending on prepayment and the number of guests. Free cancellation is available up to a specific time before your scheduled stay.
According to the website, there is a full breakfast bar, the cost of which is included in the price of the room. There is also an Express Shop for snacks. There is a business center as well as a fitness center. Groups wishing to meet at the hotel can reserve a boardroom.
Holiday Inn Express is an IGH hotel, whose hotels also include Holiday Inn, Regent, Crowne Plaza, Candlewood Suites and others. The company 18 hotel brands in more than 6,000 destinations around the world.
