Sandman Signature Kamloops hotel three weeks away from being open for business

By MICHELE YOUNG/

NEWS — The Sandman Signature Kamloops hotel is slated for a May 1 opening — a month delay from the last projection — that will include the unveiling of a new restaurant concept for the company.

A spokesperson with Northland Properties said today (Friday) the 202-room hotel has had the normal type of construction delays. She would not comment about any specific construction issues.

Northland Properties, whose president Tom Gaglardi also owns the Kamloops Blazers, bought the Lorne Street land across from Riverside Park from the City in 2008 for $2.4 million. Early on, the target date on the six-storey hotel was set for late 2011, then the summer of 2012, then late 2013.

However, the spokesperson was certain of the May 1 opening date. That’s when the hotel will start taking reservations, she said.

“We’re still on track for that.”

Some amenities, such as the swimming pool, will not be ready at opening, but that’s not unusual, she said.

The four-diamond hotel was expected to feature a restaurant such as Moxie’s, Cucumber Cafe or Rockford Grill. But the Kamloops hotel is getting something new.

“We’re still working out some of the kinks. It will be a brand new concept.

“We’re all very excited about it. It’s new. It’s something that everyone will flock toward,” she said.

The hotel will employ about 200 people. “There’s going to be a lot of business in and out of there, and all the services we’re going to be offering. We’re staffed, but will always be opportunities.”