Final checks and final furnishings will occupy the next few weeks

Rucci says four weeks until Hotel California opens

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

The owner of Hotel California says the facility is about four weeks from opening.

“We’re finalizing things,” said owner Sebastian Rucci. “Unfortunately, we’re going to miss most of the horse-racing season. ... If things go right, we’ll get the month of April.”

The racing season ends April 25 at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course, across Interstate 80 from the hotel known for its artificial palm trees at 1051 N. Canfield-Niles Road.

Rucci added the final checks are being done in the next few weeks, such as looking for paintings to hang in the hotel’s 102 rooms.

When asked if the hotel had hired a manager, Rucci said, “We’re still finalizing things on the operation aspect.”

He added they have been working with an area operator from Country Inn and Suites, also in Austintown.

The hotel had plumbing issues and a rejected liquor-license application this year, but construction has continued throughout.

Rucci has said pricing will be similar to the Holiday Inn Express on Cerni Place.