April 11--STOCKTON -- KFP Lodi Management of Lodi has announced the completion of a $1.3 million renovation and reopening of a Holiday Inn Express in Stockton. The 73-room hotel at Arch Road and Highway 99 was converted from a Hampton Inn.

"The hotel went through a complete renovation; everything is brand new," said Beth Kim, operations manager and co-owner of KFP Lodi.

The family business, which also operates the 65-room Quality Inn and Suites in Lathrop and the Holiday Inn Express in Lodi, with 94 rooms, acquired the Stockton hotel in 2008. It was first opened as a Hampton Inn in 2001.

Kim said Wednesday her company's familiarity with the Holiday Inn Express franchise chain prompted the name change.

"We believe in the brand," she said. "We were excited to go through the renovation to refresh the hotel."

It also reintroduces an Intercontinental Hotel Group location to Stockton, providing members of its Priority Club Points loyalty program an area option. That loyalty program also includes InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites properties.

Wes Rhea, chief executive of the Stockton Convention & Visitors' Bureau, said he was excited by that prospect. "It brings a new brand to town," he said.

He also welcomed the substantial investment represented by the renovation.

"The Kims are just great people," Rhea said. "They're good owner-operators."

The Holiday Inn brand was recently renovated overall as well, with all properties receiving upgraded and streamlined lobbies; new exterior lighting and landscaping; new signage with the redesigned logo; and all employees received extensive training.

Contact reporter Reed Fujii at (209) 546-8253 or [email protected].

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