Best Western to build in Dillsboro

By Rose Hooper

"We handle bus groups from Maggie Valley over to the Great Smokies Railway and discovered that most people have to spend the night elsewhere since there are no large group accommodations in Dillsboro,"said Hazel Ulmer, who will operate the franchise with her husband, Ernie.

The 66-room, three-story motel will be built along the river near the new office of Western Builders, the firm contracted to build the facility. Groundbreaking is expected to take place at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9.

"Everything has been approved through Best Western expect the final drawings,"said Don Hensley, co-owner of Western Builders.

Some of the rooms will have hot tubs, others will be mini suites and some will have balconies over the river. The Ulmers said meeting facilities for groups of up to 50 will also be available.

"We plan to be both tourist and business oriented,"said Hazel Ulmer, noting that fax machines and computer hook-ups will be available.

"Best Western provides a complimentary breakfast, and we've planned a deck over the river where people can enjoy eating with a view,"she said.

The Maggie Valley couple plans to partner with Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College to provide training for hospitality management interns.

The Ulmers hope to have the motel open by spring 2002.

Back to Archive: 07/19/01.