FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Excitement is building in Fond du Lac. The historic downtown Hotel Retlaw is scheduled to reopen its doors to the public Saturday, at least partially.
What started out as a $25 million project, has turned into a $30 million one… but with all the luxurious fixings, says Legendary Hotels principal partner Dennis Doucette.
“We feel this hotel could legitimately be placed in the middle of Manhattan, and be a first-class luxury hotel.”
Hotel Retlaw, originally built in 1923, was set to welcome guests this past December.
Construction setbacks pushed that date back.
Doucette tells FOX 11 the hotel will now partially re-open Saturday.
“As opposed to a grand opening, we’re sort of doing a rollout opening, introducing outlets as they become available between now and the end of April.”
The restaurant and lounge, and the Espresso Café and Wine Bar will be the first to roll out, followed by the luxury spa in the next two weeks.
The more than 120 guest rooms and suites featured there will be the last to be revealed to the public.
But Doucette says fully opening in the off-season works out well and favors locals.
“We thought it would give us an opportunity to get the staff indoctrinated and trained, and also have the community take part in what we’re doing, as we get ready to roll out the full opening by the end of April.”
Hotel Retlaw will include a refurbished pool, a grand ballroom on the third floor, an outdoor terrace, a Players Club and a hair and nail salon.
Doucette says he expects the hotel to draw-in thousands to the area and, for local businesses, well, it’ll be great for them too.
“This is going to be a multiplier for the downtown district because, as they’re bringing more and more people into the community all of the downtown businesses and beyond are going to feel the impact,” said Craig Molitor, president and CEO of Destination Lake Winnebago Region, which serves as the area’s visitors bureau.
Doucette says Hotel Retlaw is estimated to have an economic impact of $25 million or more every year.
The “roll-out opening” taking place this Saturday is the same day the hotel made its grand debut 96 years ago.
