Business & Tech

West Hartford Seeks Proposals for Hotel on Raymond Road Property

Request for Proposal was released Thursday, bringing the possibility of a hotel in West Hartford closer to reality.

West Hartford is one step closer to bringing a now that the "Request for Proposal" (RFP) process has officially begun.

On May 22, the Town Council voted unanimously to declare the 4-acre 90 Raymond Rd. property to be surplus, despite the Town Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation that the resolution be denied.

That administrative action was just one part of the process, said Town Manager Ron Van Winkle. The RFP is the next step, and before any plans can be finalized the Town Council will have to approve the zoning of the property.

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"We are not just looking for an RFP that is the highest bid," Van Winkle said. The town is looking carefully at the qualifications of bidders, and the financing they have available.

"We are looking for the best overall value," he said.

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According to the RFP, the town is seeking a full service hotel that offers appropriate amenities, with approximately 120 rooms – either an independent boutique or with a flag property.

"We have already sent out the RFP to well over 200 companies and individuals," Van Winkle said Thursday afternoon. The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2012.

"We expect good interest," said Van Winkle.

"Even though the hotel market isn't the greatest market right now, we believe West Hartford Center has a lot of elements that would make a hotel attractive," he said.

Van Winkle hopes to have a proposal for the Town Council's consideration by December or January.


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