Independent living set for Days Inn

By MIKE NEUMANN The Independent

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Independent senior-citizen living is coming to the third floor of Woodstock Days Inn, but travelers will still have their choice of plenty of room options from the hotel’s first two floors.
The hotel, which has been open for 16 years, includes 44 rooms. Initial plans are to take 16 of the rooms to devote to senior living, though Days Inn Director of Sales John Donnell said how much space the hotel devotes to senior living in the long run will depend on demand.
“Last summer we started knocking the idea around,” said Ruth Henderson, deputy general manager at Days Inn, “We want to get a feel for it and see where it goes.”
Each suite is equipped with a sitting and dining area, a sleeping area, a bathroom, large closet and utility kitchen. Senior citizens will have access to a seniors-only fitness center with Jacuzzi tub, an indoor heated swimming pool and sauna, wireless Internet and a continental breakfast each morning. Lifeline services will also be available at no additional charge.
Single resident rates for senior citizens 65 years and older range from $1,500 to $2,500 per month, including all utilities, cable, housekeeping services and local calls. The rates are based on size and location of the respective suites. Small pets are allowed in the suites as well. A small additional charge will be added for spouses living together.
Days Inn officials encourage residents to furnish their suites to their own tastes. Furnishings are provided, however, should a resident want them. Henderson said the first residents should begin moving in within a month.
Henderson and Donnell said that from a business perspective, it will be nice knowing that each resident will be signed up for a year lease, and that seeing familiar faces each day would be an added bonus.
Donnell said the hotel staff will keep an ear open for what residents would like to see added to the suite life. Henderson said there are already plans to have water aerobics classes and cookouts near the pool area.
While looking to tap into the independent living market, Henderson was quick to mention that travel lodging remains a priority as well.
“From our perspective, we don’t want to discourage any group travel,” she said, noting that the hotel has already inked rooms for those attending this summer’s Continental Amateur Baseball Association tournament.
For information, call 815-338-0629.

This article was published in the February 27, 2008 edition of The Woodstock Independent.