Published: May 01, 2008 10:09 am            

Jeffersonville’s Sheraton hotel now officially open

Former Ramada has been closed since 2006

Though a few travelers already have found their way through the door, Jeffersonville’s Sheraton Hotel officially opened Wednesday.

The hotel, which was formerly a Ramada Inn, is located at 700 W. Riverside Drive. The Ramada has been closed since it was purchased by MHI Hospitality Group for the renovation in 2006.

The location was essentially gutted from what it was previously, said Mark Hancock, director of sales and marketing. The reconstruction represents an approximately $25 million investment.

The new hotel has 181 rooms — 101 double-bed rooms and 80 king-sized bed rooms. Included in that total are four suites, which feature larger sitting areas and views of the Downtown Louisville skyline. Rooms start at about $149 per night.

Sheraton is a hotel brand that falls under the Starwood Hotels banner, an international hotel-management company, that includes upscale brands such as St. Regis, Westin and Four Points. Much of the hotel’s marketing efforts are taking place through the Starwood program, Hancock said.

“This is the only Starwood brand in this region,” he said.

Officials hope to compete with similar luxury hotels in Louisville, such as the Hyatt or The Brown Hotel in the city’s Downtown area.

“They’re comparable to us as far as the market segment that they attract,” he said.

In order to do so, they’re offering perks such as flat screen TVs in each room, Starbucks coffee in the in-room coffee makers and smaller details such as makeup mirrors and beds branded with Sheraton’s seal. The hotel’s lobby features large sitting areas, fireplaces and a Starbucks Coffee shop. Plans are under way for a retail store in the lobby as well. The hotel also features a fitness center, indoor swimming pool and an outdoor deck for guests.

The same structure is also the home to Louisville-based upscale dining establishment, Bristol Bar and Grill. It’s the restaurant’s first Indiana location.

The Bristol will handle room service. And, because of its attachment to the hotel, will be the only Bristol location that serves breakfast.

Hancock said only a few rooms remain for this year’s Kentucky Derby, which takes place on Saturday.

        

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