First, the good news: we believe the problems with the Hastings Hotel and Convention Center are fixed, or being fixed. HOTEL INFO: 402-463-6721 http://www.hotelhastings.com/
A little background:
We had some feedback from folks who saw a series of critical comments about the facility we've booked for the reunion. We looked into it. Turns out that the comments accurately reflected that the hotel had suffered from neglect several months ago. The current managers acknowledge that there were real problems.
The owner lives in Colorado and had been depending on the on-site manager to keep things running smoothly. Several key staff members lacked experience in hotel operations at this scope and the place had "gone downhill", the restaurant and the lounge had both closed, customers were disappointed and vocal.
When the owner checked back, she was at least surprised as we understand it. A bunch of new folks are in place and it appears she spent some serious funds on the recovery effort.
Rita and I visited the hotel recently and spent some time with two of the new managers. Our main contact was Lisa whose official and main title is Catering Manager of the catering business operating out of the hotel kitchen. She described her other duties as "anything else that goes on." She readily acknowledged the earlier problems and described the work that has gone on and continues to get things back in order. The other contact was the manager of the front desk, also new to the facility but less well versed in the prior problems.
Our observations:
The restaurant was reopened in April. It is called "281" (the highway number). It is a spacious open space done mainly in white and sectioned off by open areas and an center "gezebo" unit with a large table. We had lunch - it is not an extensive lunch menu but there is a good variety. Breakfast is an all-day thing.
The lounge has re-opened as a sports bar. It is not huge but one can guess it would be a hoot on a Nebraska football Saturday with 60 or so people.
Workmen were still in the pool area. Refurbishing the main pool was complete; they were working on the wading pool appearing to be within a day or two of done there too.
There is a private meeting room that accommodates large groups warranting the "convention center" in the name.
The desk manager opened two rooms for us. They are not spectacular but better than you might expect at this price range. They were clean, fresh, well furnished and equipped. Nothing to critique there.
This hotel is the main (probably only) facility around Hastings making a serious run at a "full-service" hotel with in-house restaurant, lounge, pool, meeting rooms, etc. They are a clear first choice for groups needing any sizable meeting space.
Contact me if you have any questions - Jerry Johnson 402-773-0222 or jjhnsn@windstream.net
