A new Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites opened Friday, Oct. 14, shortly after a five-day employee layoff due to issues with receiving an occupancy permit.
The hotel officially received its occupancy permit on Oct. 4, but had laid off all but two employees five days prior because they couldn't afford to keep the hotel staffed until it was fully operational, according to Tammy Schaum, the general manager at the Marriott Fairfield Inn.
In total, 15 employees were affected, including Slippery Rock University students.
The employees were laid off Friday, Sept. 30 because it was the end of the hotel's pay period.
Schaum said that it was sad she had to lay off employees, especially when there were jobs available.
"They weren't even laid off for a whole week, it was only a few days," Schaum said. "We didn't know how long the lay off was going to be, but it was definitely better than we had expected."
The hotel officially opened its doors Oct. 14, and is now fully operational.
According to Schaum, there were two reasons the occupancy permit was being held from them in the first place.
The first was that the new traffic signal at Franklin Street and Grove City Road had to be operational before a permit could be granted, due to a Department of Transportation traffic study.
The other reason the permit was on hold was because the entire development was submitted as one land application, but there are two different owners for two parcels of land that the hotel sits on.
While the 75-room hotel broke ground in November 2007, it was not given a building permit until 2010, and had planned to open that February.
Owner Jeff Schmitz, of Detroit, said he was hoping for a Sept. 7 opening date at a council meeting in August, according to Schaum.
At another council meeting in September, Schmitz requested a temporary occupancy permit to allow the hotel to open before the traffic light was activated. The council did not grant it.
The hotel, owned by Slippery Rock Hotel Properties LP and managed by GCH Global Management of Rochester Hills, Mich., is now ready for business.
"We are pleased to introduce Fairfield Inn hotels in the Slippery Rock area," said Brian King, senior vice president of Select Service and Extended Stay Brand Management, Marriott International.
"This hotel offers business and leisure travelers convenient, quality accommodations at an affordable price. We look forward to welcoming guests and providing the friendly service that sets Fairfield Inn apart."
All rooms offer a flat-panel HDTV, an iHome stereo, and the sleeping area features plush mattresses, down blankets and crisp linens.
Additional in-room amenities include a mini fridge, microwave, complimentary Wi-Fi and high-speed internet access (HSIA), and a spacious work area with an ergonomic desk chair.
Rates begin at $129 per night.
A complimentary hot breakfast is available each morning in the lobby area.
Other hotel amenities include an indoor swimming pool with whirlpool spa, fitness center, guest laundry, complimentary Wi-Fi and HSIA social hub, business center, and 24/7 market featuring light snacks, beverages, easy-to-prepare meals and sundries.
The hotel also offers 598 square feet of meeting space to accommodate small meetings and functions of up to 40 people.
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