Monday, August 4, 2008

Yes, We Are Open

We here at The Olympia Companies are proud to announce the opening of our Hampton Inn & Suites in Mystic, CT... 5 days ahead of schedule! Our first guests checked in on August 1... and all went very smoothly.

We would like to thank the hotel's managment and staff for all their hard work. Also, thanks go out to all Olympia Hotel Management staff who helped with this effort.

Congratulations everyone!






Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Overall Update

The project is moving ahead as planned and we continue to anticipate opening by August 6, 2008.

The construction is substantially complete and the contractor is currently in the process of installing room furniture and fixtures. We expect to have the majority of this work done by July 21, 2008. All major equipment, including fitness room, kitchen and laundry has been installed.

On the operations side, all department heads have been hired and are on board. The management team is in the process of hiring and training staff with a focus on front desk and housekeeping. We are mobilizing for pre-opening and expect to have several members of our home office team, as well as General Managers from other Olympia hotels, in Mystic getting the hotel ready for our first guests.






Thursday, June 12, 2008

Operations Update

The front desk property management system arrived on June 4 and the team is in the process of setting these up along with the training room for Guest Service Agents. Melissa is currently recruiting for the remaining two Department Head positions - the Chief Engineer and Executive Housekeeper.

Scott Walker, Olympia Payroll and Benefits Manager, travelled to Mystic in early June to provide support and training on payroll. Chris Chapin, Sr. Director of Sales and Marketing, is scheduled to visit Melissa and Sarah in mid-June.

Overall, the pre-opening functions are coming along nicely.

Development Update

Hotel construction continues to move along on schedule with an August 6, 2008 opening date. The finishes are well underway and nearly complete on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The model room is complete and looks great (see photos below).

All major purchases have been made, including operating supplies, equipment, owners direct equipment such as washers, dryers, phone system, furniture, etc. We expect furniture installation to begin the week of June 16th with mirrors and art work going in the week after.





Monday, May 19, 2008

Overall Update

Overall the project is moving ahead as planned and we expect to open by August 6, 2008. The building shell is complete and enclosed with all windows installed. Siding and trim work is just about done. Interior mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-in is nearly complete. The project is on budget with a remaining contingency of approximately 5% of cost-to-finish. On the operations side, we have hired Caroline Chapman as our Guest Services Manager. She brings years of experience in the Mystic market to our organization. We are fortunate to have her on board. Sarah, Caroline and Melissa are working diligently on the Marketing Plan as well as other pre-opening activities.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Development Update

The latest and greatest... pictures of the Model Room. Setting up this room has been a great tool for resolving potential problems. Many thanks to all who helped with this effort!





Thursday, May 8, 2008

Friday, May 2, 2008

Development Update

These are the latest construction photos... taken 4/30/2008.




Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Operations Update

Melissa attended GM Lighthouse Training in Memphis the week of 4/20-4/25.
Currently interviewing Guest Service Manager candidates.
Working with DOS on completing the HIDB paperwork for pre-opening.
Working with Guest Supply to place orders for required materials.

Sarah working on Marketing Plan as well as visiting our competing hotels and introducing herself to other DOS's and GM's. Ordered rack cards, post cards and other Sales materials.
Officially established us as member's of the local Chamber of Commerce. Performing "hard hat" tours to peers and future clients.

Development Update

95% of the windows have been installed on the exterior and the siding is well underway.
Drywall is nearly complete on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
The showers and tubs have been installed on the 3rd and 2nd floors
Work continues on a model room with all furniture, fixtures, and sundries having arrived or being shipped to the property this week. The room is anticipated to be completed by the first week in May.

Siding

Friday, April 11, 2008

Sarah and Melissa by new sign

Development Update

All windows siding and exterior trim has arrived and is being installed with mutliple crews.
Water and sewer services are complete and Hendel Drive is being prepped for binder pavement this week.
All of the tubs are on site and slated for installation the end of the week.

Operations Update

On-Line Training and Hampton Inn Pre-Work has begun.
Recruting has started for a Guest Service Manager
Securing highway signage with the DOT has been a priority
Working on becoming a member of the Mystic Chamber of Commerce.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Operations Update

Ops Team is pleased to report that Sarah Moseley has been hired as the Director of Sales. She has combined hotel experience most recently at Springhill Suites by Marriott (Waterford,CT), but also at The Chanler in Newport, RI and Ritz Carlton Palm Beach.

Development Update

The main roof is complete and the roofing contractor is working on the pool building.
Insulation and drywall has started on the third floor.
Electrical work is nearly completed on the third floor.

Exterior 03/14/08

Photo - Exterior 03/14/08

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Development Update

Construction continues at a rapid pace. The building is now weather tight.

Major purchasing has started, including furniture, the property management system, and fitness equipment to name a few.

Recent change orders have been approved for window upgrades, roofing upgrades and roof line changes. Even with these changes, we believe the contingency is still quite sufficient.

Operations Update

Melissa Schlauder, our new General Manager, started this week. She was in Portland on Monday going through orientation material and getting a project update from our team.

We have secured about 1,100 sqft of temporary office space to house the hotel operations team. Melissa expects to move in this week.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Operations Update

Olympia Hotel Management is pleased to announce they have hired Melissa Schlauder as the General Manager for the hotel. Melissa has over 8 years of hotel management experience, most recently as the General Manager of the Springhill Suites in Waterford, CT. Her background and knowledge of the local market make her an ideal fit for our hotel. Her first day will be March 3, 2008. Welcome aboard Melissa!

Monday, February 18, 2008

2nd Floor Framing, end of January

Development Update

Construction is progressing at a rapid pace. Newfield Construction, the general contractor, is performing well. Hotel on track for opening this summer.

Operations Update

GM Candidate was in Portland Thursday February 14 to interview with Olympia Team Members. Overall reaction to this candidate was very favorable.

Hampton Inn & Suites Mystic, CT

Project: 92 Room Hampton Inn & Suites, Mystic, CT

Owner: Olympia Equity Investors XX

Developer: Olympia Development

Manager: Olympia Hotel Management