Dec. 27, 2010--AUGUSTA -- The former Holiday Inn near the Augusta Civic Center is undergoing some $1.8 million in renovations, getting a new name, and becoming a Best Western.

For now the 100-room hotel is called the Augusta Civic Center Inn, but once renovations are complete to bring it up to Best Western standards, it will be renamed again, to the Best Western Plus Civic Center, according to Jeffrey Howes, general manager of the hotel for Giri Hotels.

Between $1.6 million and $1.8 million in renovations are currently under way at the facility.

"Giri Hotels has almost finished with a multi-million dollar renovation project that includes a new elevator, guest laundry room, new public areas and newly renovated rooms," Howes said. "All rooms will now have flat screen TVs, refrigerators and microwaves."

Much of the work is already done, while it is all expected to be complete by spring. Howes said the inn will remain open throughout the renovations.

The renovated inn will be owned by the same owner -- Giri Hotels -- have the same management and same 18-employee staff.

What is changing is the name and the inn's affiliation, which is switching from Holiday Inn to Best Western.

Ashish Sangani, CEO of Giri Hotels, said in a news release the firm is excited about the "flag change" at the inn and the experience and that dedication of the facility's staff will help in making the transition.

Howes said the new name will better reflect the facility's location right next to the Augusta Civic Center, the site of numerous sporting events, conventions and shows.

The inn is attached to Rooster's Coal Fired Pizza & Tap House restaurant, which is new to Augusta.

Giri Hotels also owns the Comfort Inn in Augusta, Waterville Grand Hotel, Econolodge in Freeport, and has ownership in other hotels in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

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