Valley's new destination hotel finally opens today, with about 70 percent capacity

AUSTINTOWN

The Eagles never wrote a song called “Finally.”

So, instead, “Welcome to Hotel California.”

The long time coming, colorful, palm-tree-lined facility visible from

Interstate 80 officially has opened its doors.

Though owner Sebastian Rucci called it a “soft” opening, this weekend is packed with 44 hours of nonstop fun.

Zumba, dance, billiards, dining and outdoor activities were on the agenda.

“I am going to look like a genius,” Rucci said. “I’m not. I am just a hard worker.”

His ideas for the multimillion-dollar, 102-room hotel started to blossom a couple of years ago after he bought the former Economy Inn and Suites on state Route 46.

He decided to create something of an oasis for his guests to experience. It would include not just a place to stay, but a place to get away.

That idea slowly became a reality for Rucci in the course of 18 months.

There were some barriers, but Rucci said he got around them. Issues with the plumbing led to further delays for the hotel. Along the way, Rucci, a Youngstown State University graduate in civil engineering and land developer, made changes to his vision.

“All the little tweaks made it quite amazing,” he said.

Rucci still does not have a liquor license for his luxury hotel, but he says that issue will resolve itself in due time.

The facility features The Fifth Season restaurant, and this afternoon, smells from the kitchen wafted throughout the lobby, club and dining area of the 85-seat restaurant.

“We have a really cool hotel,” Rucci said.

By late Friday afternoon, 70 percent of the hotel was reserved.

“We are going to be booked,” Rucci said.

Read ore about the new themed, destination hotel in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.