The new Holiday Inn Express in Lebec invited a group of local businesses for a morning meal at the inns breakfast bar this morning.  The invitation was limited because of seating constraints.  Close to 45 came and received a tour of the hotel and amenities which were impressive. 

There are 77 rooms in all; 100% smoke free.  Fourteen suites: 6 with king size beds and 8 queen size; some with a view of Castac Lake.  Five rooms have wheelchair access; one with a roll-in shower.  There is a gym, pool and comfortable breakfast bar. The meeting room has room for close to 20 with a presentation projector and sound system.  Internet access is throughout the building, wired or wireless.  The business center, complimentary to hotel guests, has 2 PC's with a printer.

A number of technicalities still need to be ironed out.  A few of us experienced one in the elevator which slowly lowered us to the lobby when the door would not open once we reached the 3rd floor.  Some furnishings have yet to be delivered and installed. We left just as the fire department came in for an inspection.

The grand opening hasn't yet been determined but may possibly be the end of this month or in early February.  Mountain Community residents currently have the opportunity to get a standard room, with either 2 queen beds or one king, for $59.00 through March. 

There was a drawing for a complimentary night in one of the suites and The Mountain Daily News just happened to win.  Check back later this week for our review.