Fandango breaks ground on $11 M hotel

Casino Fandango's $11 million Marriott hotel opening next December will generate more jobs and increased room-tax revenue.

Casino Fandango General Manager Steve Forester estimated that room rates will range from $70-$110 a night. That means the 100-room Courtyard by Marriott could generate up to $1,100 in room-tax revenue daily to the city - about $400,000 a year if the hotel is at capacity.

"We can market ourselves as the closest property to Lake Tahoe without the Lake Tahoe prices," he said.

The MontBleu, at Stateline, charges from $150-$230 for weekend rooms. Harvey's, also in Stateline, can charge $100-$200 for weekends.

"Marriott goes after the business traveler, and we're hoping they fill it up during the week because they do a good job with that. Then they have rooms available in the weekend when we need them, so it should be a good marriage," Forester said.

The Marriott will be on two acres south of the casino. It will include eight suites, indoor pool, gym, high-speed Internet access in rooms, a meeting room, lounge satellite television and a courtyard. It will be operated under a management contract by InterMountain Management LLC, one of Marriott's preferred franchise operators.

Candy Duncan, executive director of the Carson City Convention & Visitors' Bureau, said the hotel, under construction on South Carson Street, will add needed amenities to the capital city.

"A recognizable brand like that makes our image that much stronger," she said Thursday.

Metcalf Builders broke ground on the four-story hotel Dec. 19. Contractor Tom Metcalf said this project will use mostly local subcontractors.

JF Construction, of Carson City, is working on the building pad. Underground plumbing and the first floor slab will be completed in the next few weeks. Framing is expected to begin in January. It will provide 150 construction jobs.

Casino Fandango will add 30 employees with the addition of the hotel. The casino employs 450.

The new 65,000-square-foot hotel is part of the company's 20-acre, master-planned commercial expansion which includes a 41,000-square-foot movie theater.

Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) has more than 2,700 hotels in the U.S. and in 66 other countries and territories. In fiscal year 2005 it reported sales from continuing operations of $11.6 billion.

• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.

Casino Fandango expansion

July 2003 - Casino Fandango opened in South Carson City with about 35,000 square feet of gaming, a sports book and three restaurants. It is owned by Las Vegas-based Carson Gaming.

December 2005 - Opening of $4 million three-story parking garage

March - South Curry Street improvements will be completed, cost $1 million.

July 4 - Opening of a state-of-the-art $14 million, 10-screen multiplex movie theater operated by Galaxy Theatres, west of the casino, off South Curry Street.

Summer - Completion of a 13,000-square-foot expansion on to Casino Fandango, 3800 S. Carson St., plus a pedestrian bridge that spans Curry Street, connecting the movie theater, parking garage and casino.

December - Opening of a A 65,000-square-foot Courtyard by Marriott, on South Carson Street.

- Sources: Casino executives and Metcalf Builders