New hotel coming to Airport Freeway in Bedford

Bedford hasn’t seen a new hotel built since 2007, but that is about to change, and it will bring a new look to the Airport Freeway corridor.

Last week, the City Council unanimously approved a zoning change so that Cimarron Hospitality can build a 70-room Staybridge Suites, an extended-stay hotel catering to business travelers.

The property at 2609 Airport Freeway is owned by Bedford Park Place Meadows Investments Llc., part of Cimarron Hospitality, which held off on building until the North Tarrant Express highway expansion project was completed.

Rohit Dand, president of Cimarron Hospitality, said he grew up in Bedford and always had a passion for developing a project in the city.

The Staybridge Suites will be the first thing drivers see when they enter Bedford at Texas 121/183.

“It will drive more energy and excitement in the city,” Dand said in an interview.

Dand said he also chose Bedford because it is an “opportune” place to develop with the expansion taking place south of Dallas/Fort Worth Airport.

The 70-room Staybridge Suites caters to business travelers who need a longer stay. It is part of the IHG brand, which also includes Intercontinental Hotels, Crown Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express.

Dand said construction is scheduled to start early next year.

America’s Best Value and La Quinta were the last hotels built in Bedford, in 2007.

“I think it’s an asset for a hotel to be in the city,” said Mayor Jim Griffin.

This story was originally published August 15, 2016 at 11:44 AM with the headline "New hotel coming to Airport Freeway in Bedford."