Aug. 13, 2009--The former Holiday Inn Express at 102 Market Center Drive in Tarboro is now officially a part of Best Western Hotels, the world's largest hotel chain.

"We finished the transition on July 1," said Owner Fayez Iskander. "We are now officially part of Best Western."

Iskander said that his franchise with Holiday Inn was expiring due to Holiday Inn's decision to terminate all franchise locations under 85 rooms.

The Tarboro location has 61 rooms.

Iskander, who is the original owner of the hotel, which opened in 1997, operated the location as the Tarboro Hotel while he and General Manager Jose Morales completed a series of upgrades required as part of his contract with Best Western Hotels as part of the companny's Property Improvement Plan.

Iskander said that each of the hotel's 61 rooms now have new furniture and improved amenities like 32-inch flat screen televisions, microwaves and micro fridges.

"We also have added a new exercise room as well," said Iskander. "We now have even more to offer our customers."

The hotel is owned and operated by Greenpoint International Inc.

Iskander hosted a grand opening and a "Business After Hours" with the Tarboro-Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 6.

"We had a really great turn-out last week," said Iskander. "It gave us a chance to show everyone all the improvements that we have made and that we can host big get-togethers, family reunions and wedding receptions."

Iskander added that the hotel also has a 50-person conference center.

For more information or for room reservations, contact the Best Western at 824-0700.

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