Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening — It’s time to get comfortable at the Comfort Inn

It’s big. It’s beautiful. And it’s ready to host a party!

The brand new Comfort Inn on the south side of Ferdinand opened its doors on March 16, but management wanted to have everything as functional as a well oiled machine before setting a date for the grand opening.

With nearly six months under their belts they are ready to throw open the doors. Management invites everyone to visit the property on Thursday, October 8, starting with a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. followed by a reception that will last until approximately 7 p.m.

So who exactly is management?

Alicia Corn is general manager of the 60 room facility and Ashley Childress is marketing director for this and other properties in the Intercontinental Hotel Group, managed by IPD Hospitality based in Atlanta, Georgia.

The company recently took over its 17th hotel, part of a diverse mix including Choice Hotels (under the Comfort brand), Hampton Inns and Double Tree (both under the purview of Hilton), Carlson (a Country Inn and Suites brand) and Quality Inns.

The decor of this new Ferdinand addition features a soothing blend of contemporary and traditional in warm autumn tones with hints of blue, plus copper and bronze accents. Lodging offerings vary to fit all desires, including suites, doubles and kings, as well as wheelchair accessible rooms. In fact, the indoor pool is wheelchair accessible, outfitted with a special lift for ease and comfort (they don’t call it Comfort Inn for nothing).

Every room features free WiFi and includes a coffee maker with needed accouterments, a refrigerator, microwave, iron and ironing board, free premium television channels plus a hair dryer. A free newspaper is provided daily.

A real plus for travelers — a guest laundry can be found on the main level, not far from the Fitness Center, which is not far from the arcade and game room. Ice and soft drinks are available on all floors. A meeting room will easily seat 35 at tables and can be rented for functions by the day.

Then there is the breakfast room, where guests can enjoy a wide range of offerings — including original and flavored waffles, eggs, sausage or bacon, fresh fruits, toast or bagels, fresh Danish, yogurt, cereal, juice, tea and coffee, the latter of which is available 24/7 — all free.

Group rates are available and, according to Childress, the staff looks forward to working with future brides, business owners and community members in making everything positively perfect for their out-of-town guests.

Danny Worth from corporate headquarters visited the property recently and said IPD Hospitality went over and above Choices standards when designing the new Ferdinand Comfort Inn.

On Thursday, October 8, area residents will have the opportunity to see it for themselves. The Inn is located at 123 Scenic Hills Court, on the north side of I-64 from Exit 63. The phone number is 812-998-2121