Hotel Gets $800,000 Makeover as Comfort Inn

When owners of a local hotel decided to renovate, they didn't stop at the rooms and lobby – they also changed the name.

The former Baymont Inn & Suites at 1421 Golden Gate Blvd. in Mayfield Heights recently underwent $800,000 in renovations in becoming a Comfort Inn.

Michael R. D'Amico, director of operations for the hotel, said investors wanted to go with a hotel chain that had more visibility nationally.

"There is better brand recognition and better advertising," D'Amico said.

Rooms had not been renovated in about five years and were due for an update, he said.

"They were in need of one anyway. The rule is that at least every seven years a hotel should renovate," D'Amico said.

The hotel's 95 rooms received new furniture, beds and wallpaper. Carpeting and wallpaper was replaced in the corridors and a new floor was installed in the lobby.

"Our investors put the money into it to meet Comfort Inn standards," he said.

D'Amico said the hotel's busy season doesn't start until spring, but the results of the name switch have been noticeable.

"We've been booking more," he said. "It's definitely helping."

During the winter, he said the hotel's customers are here to visit colleges or are here with winter sports teams. They also draw people who are visiting patients at Hillcrest Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic.

"You can get a better deal here (than downtown) and it's not that far from the Clinic," D'Amico said.