New 92-room hotel holds its grand opening event

By Katie Ahern
Article Date: Thursday, August 7, 2008
citizen.com

The New Hampton Inn and Suites held its grand opening party Wednesday night.

Owners David Johnston and Kevin Attar decided to open the hotel on Route 3 after vacationing in the area and owning vacation houses on Lake Winnisquam. They noticed that there was no large, chain hotel in the area, the closest ones being in Concord or Manchester. The only other lodging in Tilton is a Super 8 and other small inns and motels.

When asked "Why Tilton?" Johnston and Attar responded, "There's a lot of potential here." They feel that the hotel is centrally located between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains, while still being close to Concord. The hotel was built on land once occupied by a go kart track, close to the Tanger Outlet Mall and Interstate 93.

Johnston says, "We feel that we not only represent the Lakes Region, we represent all of New England."

The hotel has been open for six-and-a-half weeks. It has been sold out the past two weekends. The hotel offers 92 rooms including 32 suites. It has been at about 70 percent occupancy for a few weeks now.

The hotel also has a pool, a Jacuzzi hot tub, fitness center and weight room, business center, meeting room and in-house convenience store. There is also a breakfast room.

RGH Hospitality President Glenn Hardman, who is managing the new property, said, "The Hampton Inn and Suites hotel brand is an excellent fit for Tilton. It will serve the growing demand of business and leisure traveler's for quality and comfortable accommodations at a competitive price."

Owners of the Hampton Inn and Suites are proud of their property and expect their staff to treat customers like they are "walking into their second home."

RAY MONGEAU/CITIZEN PHOTO THE NEW Hampton Inn in Tilton held an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday evening. Cutting the ribbon is Kevin Attar, left, David Johnston, right, and his son Davin Johnston. Flanking them are Kevin's wife Ann Attar, far left, and David's wife, Heidi Johnston and daughters Kiera and Kendall.