APPLETON (NBC 26) — A historic hotel for the Fox Valley is being re-branded.
Downtown Appleton’s iconic Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley will soon become a Hilton.
The hotel is dear and near to many hearts.
“It has historic meaning to so many people. There’s so many people in this area that all have a connection to the hotel, whether it’d be a wedding, or a conference, or an engagement at Vince Lombardi steakhouse, what have you there’s a connection,” said Linda Garvey, the hotel property general manager.
Now the full-service hotel, also known to host visiting NFL teams, is getting a new look.
It’s re-branding and will soon open its doors as a Hilton flagship.
“Like anywhere the hospitality industry took a major hit during the pandemic, and we lost a lot of business, and a lot of guests and employees during the pandemic. So, we’ve been rebuilding,” Garvey said.
She said you can expect a modern look while keeping the historic features of the hotel.
“All areas will be touched, whether it’d be the public spaces, the restaurants, the lounges, and the meeting space and the guest room. So we’re touching every aspect of this hotel,” Garvey said.
With the hotel being a popular destination for tourist, she said they hope it can continue being a major icon to the downtown area and the rest of the Fox Valley.
“Connected with the Fox Cities Exhibition Center, between the hotel and the exhibition center, we’re really a big conference hotel. And while people are still coming out of the pandemic, and conferences are getting re-booked into the future, this is our time right now to make our property improvements and change our brand. So we’re ready to go when they are,” Garvey said.
The hotel is expected to fully convert into the Hilton by the end of 2021 or first thing in January 2022.
They’re also looking to hire more staff. So if you’re looking for a job now is the time to apply.
