Days Inn transformed into Clarion Pointe
Hemang and Darshana Shah recently celebrated a new chapter for their longtime Jasper hotel, Days Inn.
For 30 years, the property has served the area under the Days Inn nameplate, but after undergoing extensive renovations, the hotel has been transformed into the Clarion Pointe.
Jasper city officials and representatives from Visit Dubois County were on hand Friday, November 18 to recognize the “new” identity and face of the property with a ribbon cutting.
Hemang has been a part of the Dubois County Tourism Commission since 2005, serving for over 18 years. He became a part of Dubois County’s hospitality industry in 2003 by purchasing his first lodging property in Dubois County, the Dutchman Inn in Huntingburg.
On the tourism board, Hemang Shah met Bob Ruckriegel, former owner of SERVUS/BR & Associates, who owned the Days Inn. In 2008, a gentleman’s handshake closed the deal in which Shah purchased the Days Inn Jasper from Ruckriegel.
Over the past decade, Days Inn would be the winner of many awards and continued to be managed by Mary Klem, who also managed the property during Ruckriegel’s ownership.
Recently, a window of opportunity became available that put the Shahs in a position of keeping the property operating as a Days Inn or moving to a higher tier, mid-to-upper scale property with the Clarion Pointe brand.
Shah decided to make the transition, investing in the property to become a Clarion Pointe.
Whitney Lubbers, executive director of Visit Dubois County, opened the celebration last Friday. She was followed by Mayor Dean Vonderheide who commended the Shahs and Clarion Pointe team, noting the importance of taking a risk in business investments into communities as it could lead to great rewards. He also noted the importance of tourism and the visitor economy for our community.
Jasper Chamber of Commerce Director Nancy Eckerle and Jasper Chamber of Commerce President Deidra Church presented Shah with a $2 bill as a token of good luck and prosperity for many years of success before holding the official ribbon for the ceremony with Mayor Vonderheide cutting the ribbon.
