Hopewell not ready for downtown hotel, developer says

“I'm not sure we can get a full service hotel there at this time. We don't think that Hopewell is ready because we don't have the traffic... and retail”

More small business, entertainment options and foot traffic were needed before a major chain would bite on a full-service waterfront hotel in the city, "We've had a little bit of trouble making that happen," ... via Hotel Online

[Sara]

I wouldn't build an hotel here because #1 I live in Hopewell and all of Hopewell needs to be cleaned. Theres to many fights, shootings, theifs and robbries. I can see why people think Hopewells nasty because it is. Why would people come when it is a nasty city?

[Major G]

Not ready for a Hotel? I am shocked! I was sure there was a long list of Hoteliers just waiting to start construction.
The subject comes up over and over again. If some genius in City Government, past or present thinks it's a good idea- Put your money where your mouth is!

[Smartguy]

Before building a hotel wouldn't be prudent to find out who in the world has been sadly disappointed we didn't already have one. Who in the world came to downtown Hopewell and said, "Man, if there was a hotel near here I'd sure get a room and stay for a while. Downtowns awesome here!!!"
Nobody, that's who.
Shouldn't we build something that draws people to the area FIRST, then concern ourselves where they will sleep when they get here?
The idea of a hotel is laughable. Isn't that the cart pushing the horse.

How about a comprehensive Civil War museum, or a river side waterpark; anything besides the Beacon or the library.

[Major G]

Exactly!
LOL. I have often heard the comment that people would love to be able to stay in downtown Hopewell. We want to see the ??????? I am stumped.

The hotel wet dream was that of a former city manager. I heard the suggestion time and time again and got many laughs from it. Some dolts actually believed that a Hilton would be built where the courthouse stands today. No one bothered to ask Hilton about it.

We have had several proposals for attractions though. One was for an aircraft carrier/museum. I had to point out a couple of small logistical problems. 1. It wouldn't fit through the bridge. 2. There wasn't enough water for a ship of that size anywhere near here. 3. Operational or not a ship is a maintenance nightmare.

We did have a shot of getting the Zuni here. I know the people who were looking for a port for the restored Fleet Tug/Cutter. I did the research and found a suitable berthing spot. When I asked the idiot Director of Development if he would like to talk about it for ten minutes I was blown off. "Put it in writing and submit it to council, I don't have time."
I told the Zuni guys to forget Hopewell. The Zuni is in Portsmouth VA the last I heard. It was a big attraction in NYC for many years.

A Civil War Museum would have been brilliant. Hopewell would have been a perfect location. I don't know if the city ever explored the possibility but somehow I doubt it. They were much to enamoured with the Walmart dream. That was as practical as the AirCraft Carrier and the Hilton.

Always the optimist, I think good things may finally happen in Hopewell. The new City manager is an Ace. Very sharp guy. Our two newest members of council can actually think, and act with courage. It refreshing really.