Posted on July 21, 2016
Published by El Dorado News Times
By Jessica Stevens
Staff Writer
EL DORADO — El Dorado has a new hotel on the horizon according to Greg Shinn, CEO of Shinn Enterprises.
The Hot Springs-based company acquired the property known by many as the old Norman Fincher house last month for $150,000.
The 4.8-acre lot off of Northwest Avenue sits directly behind McDonalds will be the location of an 80-room Fairfield Inn by Marriott.
Shinn said that the groundbreaking is planned for later this year or early 2017.
The existing structure will be demolished to make way for the new construction.
Fairfield Inn by Marriott is a line of hotels that are franchised by Marriott International.
The hotel brand is named after Fairfield Farm, located in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
Fairfield Farm was originally owned by the King of England, according to the website, fairfield.marriott.com.
Fairfield Farm reminded J. W. Marriott of the western ranches of his childhood, so he purchased the property for his family’s enjoyment in 1950, according to the website.
In 1987, the first Fairfield Inn hotel opened in Atlanta. The Manor House was refurbished in 1997 and opened as Marriott’s only Bed & Breakfast property, the Inn at Fairfield Farm.
Today, Fairfield Farm is better known as the Marriott Ranch and is owned and operated by Marriott International.
It continues to be a working cattle ranch, as well as a host location for special events.
"The warm hospitality and simple beauty of Fairfield Manor House inspired the name of our hotels," according to the website.
Many properties have amenities such as a pool, exercise room, whirlpool, same-day dry cleaning, vending machines, business centers, and meeting rooms.
“I think it’s great to have a nationwide chain here on that side of town,” said Mike Dumas, president of the El Dorado/Union County Chamber of Commerce.
“We need additional beds. Many nights, you can’t find a bed in El Dorado. It’ll be good for not only the visiting public, but also the community.”
Jessica Stevens may be reached at 870-862-6611 or by email at jstevens@eldoradonews.com.