JQH Hotels changes management structure of center city hotel

John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts last month changed the management structure of its center city Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites.

The hotel has operated under the umbrella of JQH's University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center since early September, according to Robert Henley, who has taken over as general manager of the Holiday Inn Express in addition to his duties leading University Plaza. Henley returned as general manager of University Plaza in July after a short stint managing the Norfolk (Va.) Waterside Marriott.

"It's really an extension of University Plaza. It just makes sense to have it all under one umbrella downtown," Henley said.

He said the addition of University Plaza's 10 salespeople also marketing the Holiday Inn was another factor. Previously, former Holiday Inn General Manager Nicholyn Strome and a front desk manager were the only employees selling the property, Henley said, noting Strome moved to assistant general manager for the JQH-owned Holiday Inn property in Joplin.

Henley said little change is planned for the 120-room Springfield Holiday Inn with two meeting rooms, though the team has added a bike station with maps of downtown - similar to one at University Plaza - and conducted exterior landscaping changes.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the management change is planned 4 p.m. Oct. 29 at the 1117 E. St. Louis St. property, with catering by University Plaza and drinks provided by Mother's Brewing Co. and Macadoodles.

University Plaza is currently undergoing a $4 million, multiphase renovation project. Phase I of the project is slated for completion by year's end and focuses on refurbishing the property's exterior and adding new signage, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.