Huntley’s Hampton Inn officially celebrates its grand opening

HUNTLEY — Despite some setbacks due largely in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Huntley’s new four-story, 100-room Hampton Inn was finally able to welcome community members to celebrate its grand opening in a ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place on Aug. 11.

While the ribbon-cutting celebration may have taken place just recently, the hotel started accepting overnight reservations on Aug. 4.

As residents may recall, Huntley’s Hampton Inn, located at 13000 Route 47, had originally anticipated opening for business by Dec. 31, 2021, per the Business Development Agreement (BDA) made between the village and the developer of the hotel, Woodstock Hotel, Inc.

However, as the original opening date was quickly approaching with complications arising from continuous “subcontractor and equipment provider supply chain issues,” Woodstock Hotel, Inc. Owner and President Harry Patel came before the Village Board on Nov. 18, 2021, to ask for a six-month extension to open for business.

The board unanimously approved the extension making it so that the hotel would then have until June 30 of this year to open to the public.

At the June 9 Village Board meeting, Patel once again came before trustees to explain that the impacts of COVID were still hindering the completion of the hotel project in regards to “labor availability with subcontractors and material and equipment delays in delivery,” he stated.

This time, Patel asked the board to approve a four-month extension period, while also adding that he hoped to open well before that time was up.

Trustees, again, approved another extension period giving Hampton Inn until Oct. 31 to open, but just as Patel had previously told the board, the hotel was able to complete its final phases of construction well before that date, albeit, they did have to open without a finished pool.

“The first time in Huntley history! We made it to opening day after many challenges and struggles (including opening without the pool—soon, I promise), but it all was worth it in the end,” wrote Huntley’s Hampton Inn General Manager George Cochran on the hotel’s Facebook page. “I could not be more proud of my staff—they make my heart smile! I was very touched by the gift they gave me…one I will always cherish because it means so much to me!”

The grand opening ceremony attracted a large crowd as attendees were invited to first attend an open house to explore the hotel from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with the official ribbon-cutting taking place at 5 p.m.

“My ‘A-team’ was outstanding yesterday (Aug. 4), which includes my housekeeping staff…without them, there is no Hampton Inn Huntley! Thank you to our beloved community for all of the support! We loved seeing locals check-in and stay with us for the first time! Just amazing to see the excitement in the community for our hotel opening,” added Cochran.

According to the hotel’s website, the pool is not expected to open until at least Sept. 30.

For more information on the hotel, residents can visit Huntley’s Hampton Inn website or call 847-669-9737.