April 27--DIXON -- The hotel where Ronald Reagan slept during his visit in 1984 is open again.

Magnuson Hotel, formerly the Reagan Hotel and Suites, opened 2 weeks ago. It will have a capacity of 91 rooms, including the suite where Reagan once slept.

Plans also call for an outdoor pool and a restaurant/bar to open soon.

Manager Wil Vasquez said they are excited to open the hotel, which has been vacant for the past 2 years.

"We've had guests come through and said they are happy a hotel is back," Vasquez said. "We've been contacting lots of businesses and getting the word out that we're open."

The hotel is next to the Brandywine banquet hall at 443 state Route 2, and Vasquez expects its guests attending conferences and wedding receptions this summer to also stay at the Magnuson.

"[Brandywinde officials] are excited because it makes everything more accessible," Vasquez said. "We plan to develop a good working relationship with them."

He said most other guests will be business people traveling through Dixon.

The opening of a hotel also will have a positive impact on Dixon Tourism. The tax collected from hotels funds tourism's efforts. No estimate was given on how much more money that could provide the agency.

Located along the Ronald Reagan trail, the hotel provides another place to stay for tourists viewing Reagan attractions in Dixon, especially with its own Reagan ties.

"It's a real asset to have a hotel there," Mayor Jim Burke said. "Not only is it attractive to people staying in Dixon, but it's also a place for people traveling to Sterling to stay."

Magnuson Hotels, which bought the hotel through Micoley and Co. Real Estate Auctions, is the largest independent hotel group in the country, with more than 2,000 sites.

The hotel is pet friendly, and has a laundry center, wireless Internet and a business conference room.

Go to www.magnusonhotels.com and search for Dixon for more information.

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