At the November 1st Washington City Council meeting, the council heard a report from Michael Hool about the feasibility of putting another hotel in Washington. Hool is a member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants and has been in the hotel industry for 35 years, and has been conducting feasibility studies for the last 20 years.

Washington Mayor Jaron Rosien talked with KCII Radio after the meeting and discussed the study’s major findings. “The main point is that our city can support another hotel and really needs another hotel. Lots of lodging for events that are happening in Washington is happening outside of Washington because of room availability. Midscale is the most practical recommendation. For instance, having a continental breakfast and a little nook for wine or beer instead of a full-service restaurant and banquet hall.”

The study stated that an “upper midscale” limited-service hotel with 60 rooms to accommodate attendees of Washington events and overflow guests for Iowa City events would be feasible. The three locations being observed as possible locations for a new hotel were the farmland proximate to and west of the Walmart, farmland on the west side of airport road, and the current Middle School building.