Berry College and Hotel Equities have opened the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Rome, Ga. The new hotel is owned and developed by Berry and is located next to the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College.
Atlanta-based Hotel Equities provided development services throughout the hotel’s construction, collaborating with architects, designers and contractors from the early stages of the development. The company will now manage the property following the opening.
The hotel is expected to capture revenue otherwise lost to nearby cities because of a lack of suitable accommodations in the Rome area. In addition to providing hotel rooms for visitors, the hotel will employ students, giving them hands-on experience in hospitality management.
“The hotel project is consistent with the college’s focus on providing special opportunities for students to combine learning and work, while also creating new revenue streams that contribute both to our educational mission and the economic vitality of Rome,” Berry President Steve Briggs said in a statement. "All revenues from the hotel help to support student scholarships at Berry."
The artwork in the hotel’s public spaces has embedded QR codes where guests can learn more about each piece. Public spaces at the hotel include a fitness center, a seasonal pool and a lobby bar and restaurant.
“It was a pleasure to work with Berry College and all the project partners involved to bring this new Fairfield to completion,” said Patrick Trainor, vp of projects and facilities for Hotel Equities. “We were able to maximize flow and function of all spaces, successfully implementing cost controls and procurement expertise. I’m proud to officially open the doors in a timely manner and within budget expectations.”