IHFMA (Hight Point) Announces Support For Hotel Market Price Decreases

Furniture World Magazine

A recent survey conducted by the International Home Furnishing Market Authority (IHFMA) indicates that twenty-seven Triad hotels have reduced their rates for the April 2006 Furniture Market and thirty-one more properties have kept their prices a consistent rate for several markets. “We are pleased to report that the local hospitality community is making a concerted effort to offer accommodation rates that are attractive to our Market visitors,” said Judy Mendenhall, IHFMA President. “Responses range from reporting significant reductions in room rates and the lowering of length of stay restrictions to the maintenance of a consistent rate over many years. We are encouraged by the results of this survey and the trend it profiles. This is an excellent start, and we are dedicated to continuing our work to bring accommodation rates down throughout the Triad.” Mo Milani, Executive Vice President of Koury Corporation, oversees three properties that are included in the survey. The Park Lane Hotel offers the largest rate reductions reported. The Sheraton Four Seasons and Grandover Resort have both maintained the same room rates for market visitors since 1998. Milani considers these to be a tangible indication of his company’s interest in making the Market experience in the Triad as attractive as possible for the semi-annual visitors. He credits the IHFMA and President Judy Mendenhall for their efforts in making this objective a priority for the Triad business community. “I’ve watched Judy and her folks for the past several years, and have worked on committees with her. They have pushed hard to make us all understand that complacency is dangerous. We have the power locally and should use it to make changes that support this crucial event.” Pamela Vargas, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Marriott in downtown Greensboro, describes her company’s decision to lower rates as a way to communicate appreciation of the Market visitors’ business, and to show consistent support of the event. “Market business is by far one of the best accounts we have. The Furniture Market has been in this area for 100 years and we want it here for at least another 100 more. We are committed to doing whatever we can to make our hotel attractive to these important visitors, “she said. Corine Hollingsworth, General Manager of the Biltmore Suites in High Point, agrees with Vargas’s assessment of the situation, “We need to be proactive in doing whatever it takes to satisfy visitors to our city, especially during Furniture Market. If reducing rates accomplishes this, then it makes good business sense to do so.” Hotels That Have Reduced Rates(in alpha order) AmeriSuites - Greensboro Best Western Deep River/Airport - Greensboro Best Western High Point - High Point Best Western Wendover Plaza - Greensboro Best Western Windsor Suites Greensboro Biltmore Suites - High Point Comfort Inn - Archdale Comfort Suites Airport - Greensboro Comfort Suites Hanes Mall - Winston-Salem Country Hearth Inn - Thomasville Days Inn - Thomasville Dudley Inn - Kernersville Fairfield Inn & Suites - Archdale Hawthorne Inn - Winston-Salem Holiday Inn Express@ Bus. - Greensboro I-85 & Lee St. Holiday Inn Hanes Mall - Winston-Salem Howard Johnson - High Point Innkeeper - Winston-Salem Marriott Downtown - Greensboro Microtel - Burlington Microtel - Thomasville Microtel - Winston-Salem Park Lane - Greensboro Quality Inn & Suites - Greensboro Ramada Inn Airport - Greensboro Residence Inn - Greensboro Wingate Inn - Greensboro Hotels That Have Kept the Same Rate for Several Markets(in alpha order) Airport Marriott - Greensboro Ashford Suites - High Point Best Western Salem Inn - Winston-Salem Clarion Hotel - Greensboro Comfort Inn - Burlington Courtyard by Marriott - Greensboro Courtyard by Marrott - Burlington Courtyard by Marriott (Hanes Mall) - Winston-Salem Days Inn Four Seasons - Greensboro Days Inn Hanes Mall - Winston-Salem Econolodge (formerly High Point Inn) - High Point Embassy Suites - Greensboro Embassy Suites - Winston-Salem Fairfield Airport - Greensboro Grandover Resort - Greensboro Hampton Inn - Archdale Hampton Inn East - McLeansville Hampton Inn Four Seasons - Greensboro Holiday Inn Express - Winston-Salem Homewood Suites - Greensboro Innkeeper - Archdale Marriott - Winston-Salem Microtel - Greensboro O.Henry - Greensboro Quality Inn-University Pkwy - Winston-Salem Sheraton Four Seasons - Greensboro Sleep Inn Airport - Greensboro Suburban Extended Stay - Greensboro Super 8 Coliseum - Greensboro Super 8-University Pkwy. - Winston-Salem Wingate Inn - Winston-Salem