Holiday Inn Express Marks First Year in Peotone with Chamber Ribbon Cutting

By Andrea Arens

Under sunny skies and warm temperatures, community leaders, business owners and local officials gathered to celebrate the first anniversary of the Holiday Inn Express in Peotone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Peotone Chamber of Commerce.

The event marked a milestone not only for the hotel, but for the community as a whole. The Holiday Inn Express is Peotone’s first hotel and is part of a multi-million-dollar development investment that also included the Peotone Travel Center. The project was developed by businessman and owner Suhas Patel, who joined chamber members, village officials and hotel staff for the celebration.

Since opening its doors one year ago, the independently owned Holiday Inn Express has experienced a successful first year of operation, including several sold-out weekends. The hotel has welcomed travelers, business professionals and visitors to the community while providing a new lodging option in the village.

Hotel Manager Tom Forbes, who has managed hotels in the region for the past decade, said he has enjoyed being part of the Peotone property and watching it establish itself during its first year.

Unlike many new hotels that rely on experienced staff transfers from other locations, the Peotone Holiday Inn Express hired an entirely new team when it opened. Forbes noted that no employees transferred in from other properties, allowing the hotel to build its own staff culture from the ground up.

Guests staying at the hotel have access to a variety of amenities designed to meet both business and leisure travel needs. Each room is equipped with a microwave and mini refrigerator, while a complimentary breakfast is prepared fresh on-site each day.

The hotel also features a 24-hour fitness center, reflecting the Holiday Inn Express brand’s focus on accommodating business travelers. A swimming pool remains a popular attraction for families and weekend guests. Forbes joked during the celebration that the pool often seems to need refilling by Monday mornings after busy weekends filled with children enjoying the facility.

Accessibility was also a key consideration in the hotel’s design. The property includes several fully equipped ADA-compliant rooms featuring wider doorways, a roll-in shower and accommodations for guests who are hearing or visually impaired.

Village officials noted that the hotel has also contributed to local revenue through the village’s hotel tax. Last year, the Peotone Village Board approved allocating 1% of that tax revenue to the Southland Chamber of Commerce, helping support business and economic development efforts in the region.

Following remarks and recognition of the hotel’s accomplishments during its first year, chamber members, village board representatives, village administration officials, Patel and his associates gathered together for the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

As the ribbon was cut and photos were taken, the celebration highlighted both the success of the Holiday Inn Express and its role in Peotone’s continued growth. One year after opening, the hotel has become an established part of the community and a visible example of investment and development in the village.