Jackson Jambalaya

I was there yesterday and shocked at the hustle and bustle going on at the site. I didn't count the workers, but it was pretty busy. I guess someone found some more of that bond money?

Are is citizens of Hinds County going to be on the hook for this ?

IF they get it open---I predict the occupancy rate won't be 20% and they can not survive with those numbers. Someone tell me what is going to be the draw for people to stay there. There are just so many JSU football games per year. I bet the King Edward occupancy rate is not much more than 20%.

It is imperative that we get leadership in place that can clean house and run Jackson like a business.

They're just making sure they didn't leave any tools behind.

20%? Do you have access to some numbers that the rest of us don't have or is this more just generic hating on Jackson?

The King Edward is always sold out.

Sold out? Do you have access to some number that the rest of us don't have or is this more generic blowing-sunshine-up-the-poopchute regarding Jackson?

@11:00AM

My information is anecdotal, but I regularly need to find places for clients to stay in Jackson and the King Edward is a pretty difficult booking.

Whether you believe it or not, a lot of business is still done in Jackson, whether it be Government or private, and that requires hotel rooms that the city (and metro area) doesn't have a ton of.

KINGFISH, I live and work in Jackson, your comment was not necessary.

The apartments are full but the hotel occupancy rates are not where they should be to turn a decent profit and yes I was told that the King Edwards was not doing well with the hotel.

I'm finished with this Blog !!!!!!!!!

11:14 - As Neil Boortz in Atlanta used to say on his radio show, "call the next person on the list that wants in, we just lost another listener". See you later, pal.

From the looks of this picture, it appears they will complete it very soon.

I meant 11:54

It is expected that the Westin will draw from a lot of travelers involved with the Federal courthouse across the street. It was not built for the convention center, but could get some minimal traffic from events there (like the marathon which is heavily attended). If I were from out of town and at the ballet or a concert at Thalia Maria, I think the Westin represents the shortest and safest walk.

If Hilton Garden Inn at King Edward was at 20% occupancy, Hilton would pull the franchise. I'm sure they expected higher occupancy with all of the Watkins development hype, but they do host a ton of events like galas and weddings and the place is well managed. Jackson is not helping by allowing grass to cover the new sidewalks.

Yes, Hinds County approved backing some bonds last year. About $20 million out of about $60 million hotel. JRA put up $9 million. Developer put up (and/or borrowed) $30 million.

11:54am, you seem to think just because you say something, we're all supposed to believe you?

If you're going to make statements about occupancy rates in Jackson hotels, you need to back that up with telling us where you're getting that information. Otherwise you sound like you're pulling this straight out of your a**.

If "you were told that the king Edward is not doing well with the hotel," you need to tell us who told you and why you think this person is credible. Otherwise you sound like you're pulling this straight out of your a**.

It becoming difficult to keep up with the hate.

< Jackson government haters, form a line to the left.
> Jackson business haters, form a line to the right
^ Jackson school haters, form a line in the center

Please limit your posts as shown below to reduce useless words.

Jgh
Hbh
Jsh

Did I leave anyone out?

@11:54 Bye Felicia!!! lol

Miracles just never cease....I saw a pothole that had been repaired in Jackson today....!

Many travellers stay at the King Edward because it is a Hilton Garden Inn and accumulate "points." That is the case for the Marriott downtown and will be the case for the Westin, which is a Starwood property.I suspect the weekday occupancy will be just fine.

Wow. 20%? I have to travel back to Jackson quite a bit sense being transferred. I always try to stay at the King Edward. It is always packed. Certainly don't have data, but seems as crowded, if not more crowded, than the rest of the hotels I stay.

The bartenders at HGI are great and so is the hamburger. Get out of your bubble every once in a while.

I miss the "Old Jackson". Remember when neon signs were all up and down 80? The paint bucket, Fisherman's Wharf, Green Derby, Crechales. It was great to drive around and see those lights. Wish it were still those days

4:45 They still have bright lights on 80. It just that they are blue strobes from a JPD car. That hotel would make a good hourly hotel.

I dont see it,,,,three boyz leaning on a rail,,,,,?

Are you sure they aren't stealing scrap metal?

Jackson provides C-L notice this morning that the property tax increase will be 4 mils, not 3. Bend over Jackson.