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Palm trees galore, 44 hours of fun welcome guests at Hotel California opening
By Kalea Hall
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 Ohio Division of Liquor Control denied the liquor license application earlier this year.
The permit is under Vitullo Investments LLC run by attorney James Vitullo, a friend of Rucci’s who is a part of the Hotel California operation.
The denial of the liquor license has been appealed and will be heard by the Ohio Liquor Control Commission.
Despite not having a liquor license, Rucci has an operating restaurant called The Fifth Season.
On Friday 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.
The party started Friday with its “soft” opening. The kitchen staff worked to prepare for a 5 p.m. dinner, workers were adjusting some last-minute features, and Rucci was all around making sure every amenity of the hotel was just right.
By late Friday afternoon, 70 percent of the hotel was reserved.
“We are going to be booked,” Rucci said.
Palm trees line the outside of the hotel and also greet customers on the inside where the escape-to-the-Caribbean feel continues. The brightly colored walls on the inside and the outside lights that change color every five minutes start the party at the hotel.
Club Cali inside the hotel features a billiards area, dance floor surrounded by TVs, and a stage for local musicians and comedians.
The experience is really what the guests want to have, Rucci explained. His guests could choose to be a part of the party or relax in the restaurant, on one of the three patios or in their rooms.
“We have a lot of cool stuff,” Rucci said. “That is kind of a benefit of being independent.”
Music follows guests through the hotel and to their rooms where the walls note: “Welcome to Hotel California. Such a lovely place.”