The rooms overlook an atrium filled with chestnut leather couches and comfortable, club-style chairs. Soothing, classical violin is piped through speakers and a bellhop rolls his cart across the decorative tile floor.
The Kemmons Wilson School for Hospitality and Resort Management is one of the newest building additions on campus. The building, on the corner of Central and Deloach, is a 138,000 square foot, four-story complex that houses a Holiday Inn, a full-service restaurant, snack bar and demonstration kitchen.
The Holiday Inn is a full-service hotel with 82 suites that include sitting areas and all amenities. Suites cost between $95 and $115 depending on availability and time of year.
Guests may dine in the restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner and choose between the menu or buffet. The snack bar offers quick favorites such as chicken tenders and fajita wraps.
“If guests want a burger and fries, they can go to the snack area,” said Howard Porter, the front desk clerk. “If they’re hungry for more, the full course buffet is $9.95.”
The hotel has an array of meeting rooms that includes an executive conference room and ballroom that can seat up to 1000 people.
Classrooms and staff offices for the Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management are housed in the building but separate from the hotel.
Students have access to a computer room and lounge.
This state-of the-art facility was a $15,000,000 gift to The University from Mr. Kemmons C. Wilson, the innovative founder of Holiday Inn. Wilson, who opened the first Holiday Inn in Memphis over 50 years ago, is known for his generous and benevolent gifts.
The Kemmons Wilson Gallery on the second floor of the hotel is an archive of Mr. Wilson’s life, successes, awards and famous quotations.
“Success is half luck and half brains” and “A 40-hour work week has no charm for me. I’m looking for a 40-hour day” are just two of the famous quotes displayed on the gallery walls.
Pictures with the last six presidents, golden groundbreaking shovels and countless achievement awards testify to a life of hard work and great character.
For more information on the Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management, please call 678-4551. To make reservations at the University Holiday Inn, call 678-8200.
