Sidney Adds Three New Hotels in 2012

Golden Prairie Inn Best Western

After years of waiting, three new hotels opened their doors in Sidney in 2012.

The first was Best Western Golden Prairie Inn which opened April 1. With 72 oversized rooms, including 16 suites, the hotel was immediately filled, and the occupancy rate has maintained at a favorable percentage ever since. Manager Bryce Baker is very pleased with the structure. “We’ve had no problems with anything.” And with his staff. While staffing is always an issue, Baker credits a core group of employees with providing training to new employees, while offering great customer service and providing the best possible stay for their guests. Baker also is pleased with the reception from the community. “We’re lucky that we have so many local partners and businesses that are great to work with,” he said.

Baker is excited about the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBIT) and the recently approved $1.50 per night local tax on hotel rooms. The TBIT is made up of hoteliers only, who decide how the money is spent. The main criteria is that whatever the money is given to must impact hotel stays in Sidney. “That also impacts every service based industry. It’s a great thing for this community,” Baker said.

The Golden Prairie Inn is located at 820 S. Central Ave., Sidney. Call 406-433-4560 or email [email protected]

MicroTel Inn & Suites

MicroTel Inn & Suites welcomed its first guests on April 27. With its unique maroon exterior and extensive landscaping, the motel brightened up the southeast corner of Sidney. Seventy-six rooms, a swimming pool and hot tub, exercise room, lockers and laundry facilities, plus a welcoming lobby and full breakfast provide the weary traveler or worker with exceptional comfort. There is also a conference room which is available to the public.

Manager Brandon Taylor has been pleased with the occupancy rate enjoyed by the hotel. He does point out however that rooms are available in Sidney, particularly on the weekends.

MicroTel is owned by Presidential Hospitality under franchise agreement with Wyndam Worldwide which is one of the biggest hotel groups in the world, encompassing many well known brand names. Guests can earn Wyndam Rewards points by staying at any one of their hotels worldwide.

MicroTel Inn & Suites is located at 1500 S. Central Ave., Sidney. Call them at 406-482-9011 or email [email protected].

The Holiday Inn Express

The Holiday Inn Express has been busy since it opened in July. With seventy-four rooms, an indoor pool and hot tub, fitness facility and conference room, the hotel has all the amenities for the vacationer or business traveler. Chris Godfrey, regional operations manager for American Hospitality, is very pleased with the first few months of business. “It’s gone extremely well,” he said. ”We couldn’t be happier with the hotel, the availability of staff and the welcome from the community. This is a great community and we are happy to be a part of the growth in the area due to the Bakken. It’s just a welcoming place to be.”

The Holiday Inn Express is independently owned and operated by Sidney Hotel Group, LLC. Call the hotel at 406-433-3200 or stop by 251 W. Holly, Sidney.