Sequence of tenses quiz | Exercise follow Topic

Birley City News

March 20

New manager has new marketing plans for Birley Hotel

By Sarah Cozzi, Business Writer

Located on Frontage Road, which separates Dahlman and Henley Counties, the 200-year-old Birley Hotel is surrounded by shaded gardens and offers a relaxing stay for guests.

During my visit, facility manager Monica Hu told me she has ambitious marketing plans for the hotel, which is owned by local entrepreneur Dan Crosby. Mr. Crosby hired her late last year to allow him to focus more on his growing, three-year-old café business.

As we talked, I mentioned that the hotel's Web site did not fully represent the facility's luxurious amenities. She smiled as she picked up a tablet device and pointed out a page on the newly-redesigned site showcasing images of each beautifully-decorated guest room. She then discussed her efforts to promote the hotel as a launch point for exploring Henley County, which boasts many attractions but receives far fewer visitors than Dahlman County. She says the hotel's new brochures encourage visitors to "experience Henley County."

Ms. Hu said she also plans to rework the Birley's dinner menu to include options to "match every budget." Currently, its gift shop sells artisanal herbs and spices created by Mr. Crosby.

Birley City News

March 24

Exploring Henley County

By Jim Skandar, Travel Columnist

Birley City - Recently, I stayed at the Birley Hotel and explored the charming attractions of Henley County. The hotel's manager put me in contact with Brian Kuzo, president of the Henley County Tourist Association (HCTA), and he guided my daylong tour of the county. It began with a delicious breakfast at Lite Bistro, one of several highly-rated restaurants located near the hotel. We then stopped at Grayley Town, a famous arts community, and toured Paxton Park historical village. The highlight of the trip was a narrated cruise down Paxton Canal in an open-air barge. Mr. Kuzo showed great enthusiasm for the region, and I highly recommend seeing its many sights.