Former Fairfield Inn will become Holiday Inn Express

By KIMBERLY HOUGHTON

Union Leader Correspondent

MERRIMACK — About $2 million in renovations are about to begin at the old Fairfield Inn, which is expected to re-open at the end of the summer as a Holiday Inn Express.

The Roedel Companies, a New Hampshire-based hotel operator, bought the property last year and has been prepping the 3-story hotel for the extensive renovation project.

The hotel, which is located at 4 Amherst Road at exit 11 off the F.E. Everett Turnpike, is within close proximity to the new Merrimack Premium Outlets set to open June 14.

“I think this development makes sense for Merrimack,” said Tim Thompson, community development director. “With the mall going up there, I see a definite need for additional hotels in town. The outlets will be a destination for shopping, and I think this will be beneficial.”

David Roedel, partner of Roedel Companies, said Monday that the hotel will be completely revitalized. Construction work will begin in mid-March once the final design is approved, Roedel said.

It will take about 20 weeks to fully revamp the facility, he said, adding he anticipates reopening by late summer.

“We are going to maintain the colonial style on the exterior of the building, but refresh it with a contemporary New England look,” said Roedel.

Previously, the hotel had about 115 rooms, but after the renovations, there will be 105 rooms complete with brand new bathrooms, flat-screen televisions and Internet access. All guest rooms, the lobby and public spaces will be renovated and expanded to be ADA compliant, Roedel said. A portico will also be added, along with an expanded breakfast space.

There are several neighboring towns with an abundance of upscale hotels, but nothing in the immediate Merrimack area, he said, adding this will help fill that void.

“With the recent developments in and around Merrimack, there is a greater need than ever for an upscale, business- class hotel,” Roedel said previously after his company purchased the hotel. “As a New Hampshire-based company, we are thrilled to invest in our own state.”

“We are very excited about this, and particularly happy because it is a really good compliment for the mall,” added Eileen Cabanel, town manager.