Oxford has experienced explosive growth in recent years. That growth includes three new hotels increasing Oxford’s available rooms from 750 to 1,000.
For many area merchants, football season provides a financial boom from the influx of out-of-town travelers. Ranging from $599 to $899 per night, some hotel operators say business is booming.
The new 121-room Courtyard Marriott on Jackson Avenue opened just in time for guests seeking a place to lodge. The trendy-styled hotel features a bistro and rooftop restaurant and bar.
For the Alabama game, the average room rate was $899.00 with a two-night minimum.
Assistant General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Oxford Katie Redditt said while the hotel came close to selling out for the Alabama game, management is pleased with the rollout of the new hotel.
“People are willing to pay a premium price for the convenience,” Redditt said. “We’re an equal distance to both the campus and the Square making it a desirable location for travelers.”
Redditt said she has received good feedback from guests, however, traffic challenges served as an irritation for both the hotel and visitors. Apparently, cars on Jackson Avenue were bottlenecked in front of the hotel for over four hours making it impossible for the hotel’s van to provide the free pick-up and delivery service it promised.
Redditt also said its lobby Bistro and rooftop Green Roof Lounge stayed busy throughout the weekend.
On the east side of Oxford Markisha Gates, General Manager at the Towne Place Suites by Marriott said they were sold out for the Alabama game.
“We were very pleased this year versus the previous years,” Gates said. “We are very excited about the recent growth in Oxford. We are looking forward to more development on the East side of town as well.”
Oxford’s new Graduate Hotel also had a good weekend. Front Desk Supervisor Marcus Johnson at the hotel on the Square said their property was also sold out. Rates at the Graduate Hotel average $599.00 per night for game day weekends.
by HottyToddy.com Editor-In-Chief Russ Jones. He may be reached at russ.jones@hottytoddy.com.
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