No room at the inn: 3 new hotels coming to Stephenville set to alleviate that problem.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

The struggle to find often sold-out accommodations in Stephenville will soon come to an end with the construction of three new hotels.

With an ever-growing Tarleton State University, rodeo industry and the city’s bustling main street and tourism departments, visitors to Erath County often struggle to find places to stay.

Jeff Sandford, president of the Stephenville Economic Development Authority, sat down with Beneath the Surface News to talk about the recent surge in hotel construction.

“This will add over 320 new rooms to the market, helping to accommodate our growing visitor population, and hopefully, encourage longer per-visit stays in Stephenville,” Sandford said.

“Longer stays equate to more expenditures in our local businesses, helping to fuel our already robust economy.”

Here’s a brief snapshot of what’s coming:

Springhill Suites by Marriott

• Approximately 126 rooms on Harbin Drive in Stephenville. This will be the largest hotel in Erath County.

• Includes meeting space.

• Will break ground this summer.

Home2Suites

• Approximately 120 rooms; located at 3130 W. Washington Street.

• Currently under construction.

• Pad site in front for potential restaurant/commercial opportunity.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

• Approximately 80 rooms; located on Senator Robert J. Glasgow Loop.

• Under construction.

“Our trade area has grown over 83% in the past eight years, so having additional accommodation choices will alleviate the need for our temporary citizens to stay in other nearby towns, an issue we have dealt with for quite some time,” Sandford added.

Stay tuned for more information as these projects move forward.