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Drilling Doldrums Don’t Faze Highlands Hotel in Ohio County

Photo by Casey Junkins Viewing one of the 88 suites at the new Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham at The Highlands Wednesday are, from left, Shari Arnett, operations manager; Todd Schirtzinger, chief operating officer of Century Hospitality; and Chelsea Barnhart, assistant general manager for Century.

Even with the slowdown in Marcellus and Utica shale activity in the Upper Ohio Valley, travelers continue generating demand for hotel rooms — and there are now 88 suites available to help meet the demand at the new Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham at The Highlands.

“This is built to feel like your home,” said Todd Schirtzinger, chief operating officer of Century Hospitality, which manages the hotel. “We want everyone to feel at home.”

On Wednesday, hotel officials hosted a grand opening barbecue for the area business community and government officials. The four-story hotel features a free hot breakfast buffet, complimentary wireless and wired internet, guest laundry, a business center, a conference room and a large fitness center. There is also a small shop that sells food and personal care items.

Each room includes a 49-inch TV that provides access to numerous cable channels, as well as the popular video website YouTube. There is also a table, along with a full kitchen area with a sink, refrigerator and microwave.

Schirtzinger said the hotel, which has been serving guests since late last year, employs about 20 workers on a regular basis.

“We are doing great. The reception has been very positive,” Schirtzinger said. “This is a great place to stop when you are traveling on (Interstate 70) because there is so much here. We think it is a great location.”

Ohio County Commissioner Orphy Klempa said he is very pleased to see The Highlands continue to flourish.

“They don’t build these (hotels) without doing their research. People aren’t going to make these kinds of investments without knowing they are going to get a return,” said Klempa, who is also a member of the Ohio County Development Authority, which manages The Highlands.

Citing the opening of several new hotels at The Highlands in recent years, Klempa added, “Hopefully, we can meet the needs of travelers, as well as those who come in to work in the oil and natural gas business.”

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