By Adam Hocking

Editor

MARSHFIELD–Rising from the former Clearwaters Hotel and Convention Center, Hotel Marshfield aims to create a unique and upscale atmosphere.

Opened in 2013, Hotel Marshfield caters to the business community with technologically equipped conference centers, a sprawling lobby with a multiple workspaces, and extended-stay suites, but also works to promote a family culture.

Cory Latourell, the hotel’s general manager who spent most of her career with Wyndham Hotels, said that getting the community to understand just what the hotel is has been the biggest challenge.

“Sometimes people still don’t know who we are; they don’t know that we’re here. There’s been a lot of weird rumors, like it’s not open to the public, (and) it’s a Roehl bunkhouse for truck drivers.  That was never the intention,” Latourell said.

With 99 guest rooms , a workout facility, an outdoor pool and hot tubs, a fire pit, two multi-purpose ballrooms, and an in-house restaurant- Libby McNeill’s-  hotel management feels they bring something Marshfield hasn’t had before.  In describing the vision of the hotel, Latourell said management wanted to focus on a few key words to help define their culture: unexpected, community friendly, memorable, and local.

“Unexpected is one which we get a lot.  People walk in here and say ‘Oh my God, this feels like Chicago or Twin Cities,‘” Latourell said.

Jessica Barrett, the hotel’s sales director, echoed that sentiment, when she said hotel management aims to provide guests a “taste of a bigger city.”

The hotel’s goal of marrying sophistication with comfort extends to the food at Libby McNeil’s.

Latourell said that they have kept drink prices comparable to most of the bars on Central Avenue, and that their food menu contains familiar courses but with a twist to make the fare both comforting and unique.

The executive chef for Libby McNeil’s, Wally Walberg, said he wants “every item to be something people want, someone’s specialty.”

Latourell said their kitchen is multi-functional, capable of catering a large event like a wedding or a conference, while simultaneously maintaining the operations at Libby McNeil’s.

In an effort to further promote a family atmosphere, Hotel Marshfield maintains a pet friendly policy.  Latourell said the staff equips rooms where pets will be staying with a pet gift bag and bowls for food and water.

Latourell believes the chemistry and attitude of the employees at Hotel Marshfield is what makes it a successful operation.

“It’s our team,” Latourell said. “I love our team. … It’s great fun, everybody’s got a great energy.”

For more information on Hotel Marshfield you can visit their website, http://hotelmarshfield.com/.