Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Sure, the newly acclaimed Ramada Plaza is the only full-service hotel in Warsaw, but its owners and onlookers Tuesday said the facility's reputation and uniqueness go much, much further.
Following an extensive $3 million renovation that transformed Warsaw's biggest and oldest hotel from an aging facility to a top-notch hotel, the Shaffner brothers - Bruce and Steve - hosted a lavish open house highlighting one of the rare entertainment complexes in the Midwest.
The complex, featuring 155 rooms and suites, Viewpoint Restaurant, Brewski's Pub, Wagon Wheel Theatre, 2517 Restaurant and White Hill Manor Bed and Breakfast, is widely compared to the entertainment complex in Merrillville, the Star Plaza.
The renovations, combined with the various amenities, led Ramada to distinguish the Warsaw facility as a Gold Key Ramada Plaza, one of 75 in the nation and the only one in Indiana.
"It's extremely unique, and in this part of the state, nobody can compare with this exact combination," said John Goss, director of Indiana tourism.
"With the right promotion, this should be a tremendous economic boom for Warsaw," Goss said.
The Ramada Plaza in Warsaw is the only such hotel anywhere in the nation in a city with a population of less than 100,000.
The improvements come at a time of increased competition in the local hotel and restaurant business. Steve Shaffner said they're ready.
"We feel it sets us aside from the rest of the competition," he said.
"We're very upscale, but we're not stuffy, though. ... We want to service everybody," Shaffner said.
Despite being the smallest plaza in the nation, the company handed the Shaffners another compliment by offering to place Warsaw Ramada on the cover of the Ramada's directory.
"Just a handful of hotels ever get asked to be put on the cover," said Shaffner.
Tuesday's activities included a ribbon cutting that required the partial shutdown of Center Street, tours of the hotel, a lavish hors d'oeuvres spread and words of praise from a variety of people.
Among those attending was Bill Hirsch, a Ramada executive from New Jersey.
The plaza designation means Warsaw's Ramada is the "cream of the crop," due in part to teamwork, heart and dedication.
The Shaffners are a key part of that, Hirsch said.
"It's an absolute fact that hospitality runs through their veins," Hirsch said.
Nearly 300 people including community leaders and tourism representatives turned out for the open house Tuesday.
"The town has been very receptive to us, but Warsaw is where our roots are," he said.
Among those congratulating Ramada officials were Kosciusko County Convention and Visitor's Bureau Director Linda Arnold and Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins.
Wiggins called the entertainment complex "a showcase not only for Warsaw, but the state of Indiana."
