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�New� hotel prepares for debut photo by Bob Pennell Remodeling keeps traces of historic original By Sara Murphy ASHLAND � It won�t be long before the bellman puts on his cap and makes his first official appearance at the door of the nearly newly remodeled Ashland Springs Hotel. "It�s going to be all first-class service from the moment you pull up," says hotel manager Dennis Godfrey. "It�s all about pampering our guests." Indeed, it is. And the guests may pull up as soon as the end of the month, Godfrey says. After about two years and $10 million, the renovated and renamed Mark Antony is almost ready to open its doors. Godfrey is planning a "soft opening" later this month, with the grand opening celebration slated for early next year. It�s been months since window shoppers and sidewalk strollers have been able to sneak a peek at the hotel�s interior, blocked from view by boards and fencing. Godfrey insists, however, that the chain-link is not a permanent fixture of the East Main Street sidewalk. "It�ll all be done in two weeks," he says. Till then, workers will be busy laying carpets, laundering linens and attending to dozens of last-minute details, such as whether to place the espresso machine on the bistro�s bar or back bar. "People have no idea how much goes into opening a hotel," Godfrey sighs. He points out wood detailing on a public telephone stall near the front lobby. "We had this custom-made," he says. Every detail is important, he explains. For the most part, guests will enter the hotel at the lobby, where the building�s original chandelier dangles from the two-story ceiling and an original mirror behind the concierge desk reflects the stately room. The hotel�s color scheme was inspired by stained-glass shields in the lobby windows, Godfrey explains. "That�s why you see a lot of the yellows and blues and butter tones," he says. The hotel�s new decor reflects both an historic and a natural theme, Godfrey says. Hand-stenciled thistles line the ballroom walls. A collection of antique bird nests will be on display in one meeting room, while old airplane memorabilia will decorate another. The hotel has 70 guest rooms on levels three to nine. Each room has a private bathroom and window view, Godfrey says. During the summer tourist season, most rooms will run about $149. Godfrey draws attention to the French goose down blankets and luxury linens. "We�re a hotel," he says. "We sell sleep." People who don�t want to pay for a room can experience the hotel�s English ambiance over afternoon tea on the second-story lobby balcony, Godfrey says. "Men may not want to bring their buddies up here, but women and couples who want a respite in the afternoon can come up here and enjoy," he says. The hotel is also home to two restaurants. Elfinwood will feature Northwest regional cuisine � including salmon, blueberries and hazelnuts � for dinner only, beginning May 1. A collection of antique English transferware hangs on the walls alongside vintage European antlers, creating a woodsy feel, Godfrey says. If that restaurant is woodsy, the other is whimsy. The red walls and decoupage tables of Bulls-Eye Bar and Bistro are decorated with old game boards and boxes, including Chinese Checkers, Carrom and something called "Cabby! The game with rules made to be broken." Bulls-Eye will be a three-meal restaurant that serves up popular fare, including soup, salad, shakes and burgers. The atmosphere, though, is a little on the wild side. Godfrey�s face lights up when he looks around the room. "It�s going to blow people away when they see this," he says. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Sara Murphy at 482-4655, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.