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Hilton Garden Inn Opens In Riverview

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

The six-story hotel hopes to attract locals, their families and event planners. The inn will employ 45 to 50 people.

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By LOIS KINDLE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 15, 2009

Updated: 01/15/2009 07:53 am

RIVERVIEW - Despite the weakened economy, GS Development is taking a chance on South Shore. Based in Tifton, Ga., the company opened a six-story, 119-room Hilton Garden Inn Jan. 15 at 4130 Crescent Park Drive.

"We're excited to be serving this growing area," said Paul Perez, the inn's general manager. "We feel we have a little of everything to accommodate all types of travelers. We also hope to attract locals who need a nice place for their families to stay and for event planners to host their events."

Perez said the inn plans to eventually host leisure activities designed to attract weekend guests who simply want to get away.

Designed by architect Ann Fitzgerald of Richard Raugh & Associates of Atlanta, and built by McFinn General Contractors of Tarpon Springs, the hotel is part of a franchise owned by Gerald L. Sapp, the corporate president, and his wife, Marilyn.

The project took about 14 months to complete, said McFinn President Bud McCann, who estimated the cost at $16 million.

In addition to the guest rooms, which include 21 larger suites, the inn features roughly 4,200 square feet of flexible meeting space, a richly appointed boardroom, a 24-hour business center and a heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. Nine guest rooms also have Jacuzzis.

The full-service Great American Grill restaurant and lounge offers indoor and outdoor dining, plus live entertainment on the weekends. Other amenities include complimentary wired and wireless Internet throughout the hotel, an on-site fitness center and free shuttle service within a five-mile radius.

"In the industry, we call this a focus-service hotel," Perez said. "That means we offer the things that satisfy most guests: comfortable amenities, a friendly staff and exceptional service."

The restaurant and lounge are open to the public from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekends.

The hotel employs 45 to 50 employees. Four languages are spoken by staff members: German, Spanish, French and Creole.

Perez has 22 years of hotel experience. He began his career as a bellhop when he was 17. The Wesley Chapel resident has been with Hilton for the past 11 years.

"Our job is to make our guests feel as comfortable as we would want to feel if we were away from home," Perez said. "We want them to have a great experience."

For information, call (813) 626-6610.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553.

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