The Guardian has learned that DP Murphy Hotels and Resorts is looking at developing a section of vacant property on Capital Drive, between the Holiday Inn Express & Suites and the Maypoint roundabout.
The 120-room hotel is expected to be branded as a Hampton Inn & Suites, but no one would say much on the record on Thursday.
Chris Kerr, director of sales and marketing for DP Murphy Hotels & Resorts, said he can’t shed any light on it.
“At this point, it’s a pretty firm no comment,’’ Kerr said. “These rumours do get out, but there is nothing official at this point that any representative of the company is able to make.’’
The Guardian has learned that DP Murphy Hotels and Resorts is looking at developing a section of vacant property on Capital Drive, between the Holiday Inn Express & Suites and the Maypoint roundabout.
The 120-room hotel is expected to be branded as a Hampton Inn & Suites, but no one would say much on the record on Thursday.
Chris Kerr, director of sales and marketing for DP Murphy Hotels & Resorts, said he can’t shed any light on it.
“At this point, it’s a pretty firm no comment,’’ Kerr said. “These rumours do get out, but there is nothing official at this point that any representative of the company is able to make.’’
However, the Murphy group did hold its own public meeting with nearby residents recently about the issue.
Coun. Greg Rivard, chairman of the City of Charlottetown’s planning and heritage committee, said he can’t comment other than to say that the Murphy group does have an as-of-right to build a hotel on the seven-acre property.
The property is zoned for a hotel.
Craig Jones, president of the Hotel Association of P.E.I., said nothing has been brought to the attention of the association.
As for whether the Charlottetown market could handle another hotel, Jones said it depends on a few factors.
“When we’re at our peak season, the customer will decide what hotels are going to do well and what hotels aren’t,’’ Jones said. “Is there a need (for a new hotel)? It depends on who you ask. A lot of the brands have formulas and decide whether they want to open another franchise or add more rooms to a market.’’
Jones said a lot of hoteliers would agree that winter is a slow season for hotels in P.E.I. The market is driven by sports tourism and conferences.
But, he was also quick to add that even on some winter weekends, it’s impossible to find a hotel room in Charlottetown, thanks to sports tourism.
“(And) there are times in the summer that the whole Island is sold out, so you do need some more rooms. It depends on what time of year you’re asking and who you’re asking.’’
The proposed hotel is expected to be similar to a Hampton hotel DP Murphy Hotels & Resorts operates in Moncton.
Jones said brand-name hotels are good for any location because they’re recognized, trusted and attract international travellers.
“Depending on the brand, it gets more eyes on an area if a brand opens up.’’
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