Hillsdale College completed renovations to rooms of the Dow Hotel and Conference Center to expand room size and update the design.
The college made changes after guests called the rooms outdated, Dow Center General Manager Teresa Heckenlively said.
“The new rooms are very nice,” Heckenlively said. “They are very exciting developments to the Dow.”
The renovation designs began in 2015 and construction by local contractor AMPM started on Nov. 17 of last year. Of the 36 rooms at the Dow, the college renovated only six, due to costs, according to Rich Péwé. Five of the six renovated rooms were assigned to CCA guests, who, according to Heckenlively, said they were very happy.
“The Dow Hotel was built before 1970, and we spend too much time on maintenance as a result of the age of the hotel,” Péwé said “It needs updating.”
Some specific changes to the new rooms include improved heating and cooling systems, upgraded plumbing and electrical/lighting fixtures, new finishes and furnishings, and updated bathrooms. The renovations partially aimed to pull the rooms out of their outdated design and into a more modern one.
“They will provide a better experience for guests, higher occupancy rates, easier to maintain; Hillsdale is a great college and the hotel rooms for guests should be great too,” Péwé said.
One major complaint from guests, beside their old age, was a lack of power outlets, Heckenlively said. The new rooms include USB charging ports and nine available outlets, as well as, of course, updated upholstery, wallpaper, and color schemes.
“The hotel is often the first place guests arrive on campus. Friends of the college — such as parents, alumni, and donors — matter so much, and we want our guests to have the best experience possible,” Péwé said. “The college is a destination, with 10,000 visitors each year and students coming from 47 states and 10 foreign countries.”
While the rate for a standard double room is $99.99 a night, the renovated rooms will come at a higher rate, according to Heckenlively and the Dow Center’s website.
The college has no plans yet for the remaining 30 rooms.
Heckenlively said the high number and frequency of events makes renovations on rooms difficult to schedule.
“As we raise more and as time allows, we will continue to renovate room,” Péwé said. “We need $34,000 per room, and we will eventually renovate Dow A, B, and C, as well.”
Guests said they are eager to see and stay in the new rooms, according to Dow Hotel employees, and they said they are happy with the new design.
“Everyone loves them,” said junior Kelly Cotes, a student employee at the Dow Hotel. “Once the new rooms opened, we had guests calling just to reserve the new rooms to see what they’re like.”
— Ross Hatley contributed to this report.
