Southwest Missouri News--Branson

by Carol Harris, Branson area, and Mary Engler-Guccione, Joplin area

Myer Hotels scheduled a grand opening Oct. 8 for its newest franchised hotel, the Rodeway Inn, formerly named the Cinnamon Inn, on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson.

According to Chris Myer, vice president of marketing for Myer Hotels, the 95-room Rodeway Inn, now a part of Choice Hotels International, has undergone extensive interior and exterior improvements since it was purchased.

A special feature of the hotel is the Choice room, a "senior-friendly" room with such amenities as assist bars, lighted wall switches, large-button telephones and remote controls, alarm clocks with large numbers, lever handles and coffee makers.

More changes will be made during the winter months, Myer said, adding that plans call for an expanded two-story lobby, canopy, additional registration parking and an indoor pool, spa and sauna with large sun deck.

Meanwhile, the grand opening for the Red Roof Inn in Branson was held Sept. 17. Formerly named the Heritage Inns, the 104-room Red Roof Inn is located on Wildwood Drive and is under the general management of Cec Cotner.

Franchised to Keith Jaspers, it is the first in the hotel chain to be franchised to an individual, according to the hotel's management. Jaspers also owns Days Inn and Howard Johnson's in Branson.