Major renovations have given Dryden's Best Western Plus, Hotel and Convention Centre a whole new outlook on business.
For hotel operators, spending money on upgrades is an ongoing necessity, especially for long-time owners Norm and Lorraine Bevilacqua, who have been shareholders since the building's 1974 sod-turning.
But since early 2008, the couple has spent $2.5 million in making improvements to the 89-room hotel with changes to its signage, lobby, restaurant and guest rooms; and they taken a more aggressive approach to being a magnet for meetings and gatherings.
The hotel's last major facelift was in the 1980s when 30 guest rooms were added, but the renovation bug struck again a few years ago when the Bevilacquas were trying to decide where to install an elevator.
They thought the hotel's exterior facade, the Porte Cochere, looked tired and dated with that retro-'70s-look, and the front lobby looked like it could use some work as well.
After clearing their plans with Best Western head office, the Bevilacquas enlisted architect Fred Woods and Gateway Contractors of Thunder Bay and got to work.
“We now probably have one of the nicest lobbies in Ontario,” boasts Norm, who points to the signature elements of the expanded and brighter lobby with a larger granite-top front desk and upgrades made to the front facade with new energy efficient LED lighting and landscaping out front for better highway exposure.
“When we changed the signage to become a Best Western Plus, we had to meet all of (the company's) requirements,” said Norm, “and we've applied to become one of the best renovated properties in the system.”
But the renovations didn't stop there.
The restaurant has undergone changes into a new entity called B & B Roadhouse.
Previously that operation was leased out, but the Bevilacquas felt they had no say over the menu.
Now in full control of the restaurant, they hired chef Stephanie Bragnalo of Thunder Bay, and have introduced a family-style menu that boasts some of the best prime rib in the northwest.
Guest rooms are also undergoing upgrades with flat-screen TVs being hooked up, granite vanities and new hallway carpeting and lighting being installed.
“We're constantly improving the property every year,” said Norm.
For the business travellers, there is a licensed cocktail lounge, health club, business centre, and a soon-to-be saltwater swimming pool.
The hiring of a new sales and banquet manager on board, Margaret Saville, signifies the hotel is pursuing more convention and meeting business in a big way.
The hotel already had seven meeting rooms, including its 1,888-square-foot Sunset Room with capacity for 200 theatre-style, but they've configured some second-floor space to add two more.
The new Gemini and Centennial rooms offer a combined 1,500-square feet of flexible space.
“We're the hub,” said manager Sheila Hendricken. “We're located between Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, and we're the perfect location for the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), the health unit and training seminars. We're located right in the centre on Highway 17, that's our key.”
Staff provide full audio-visual and IT support, and in-house catering is provided.
Future plans in the works are to combine the Sunset and White Otter Rooms into one space to accommodate 200 for banquets and up to 270 for theatre-style seating.
With the local economy stabilizing, mineral exploration picking up and sales staff in place, Hendricken anticipates more meeting activity and social functions coming their way.
Located in Dryden's north end on the Trans-Canada Highway, the hotel is a favourite among transient contractors and crews from Hydro One and MNR. There probably aren't many hotels in the Best Western chain that come with their own heli-pad.
Norm said pilots love the amenities provided on-site.
“We've had up to six helicopters at one time depending on the forest fire season. They love the location because we provide any electrical they need and hoses to wash down their windshields.”
As an active community member and sponsor of local hockey teams, Norm is justifiably proud of the improvements. With the town still recovering from a decade of downsizing and layoffs at the local pulp mill, it is always important to invest and present a “good quality property” for the community.
