Work began in December, completion expected by May

The rooms of Richland’s Hampton by Hilton are undergoing their first complete overhaul in more than 10 years.

The first phase of the $750,000 remodeling project kicked off Dec. 14 with 44 rooms.

The work to remodel all 130 rooms is expected to be completed by May.

“It’s going to look completely different,” said Melody Goller, assistant manager at Hampton by Hilton, formerly known as Hampton Inn.

Goller said the remodeling work will be “floor to ceiling,” including all new flooring throughout the bathrooms, sleeping area and main area of the room. Hampton by Hilton also will be saying good-bye to its rooms’ wallpaper.

Some of the king rooms’ bathrooms are being changed over to standup showers instead of the ubiquitous tub-shower combos.

All new furnishings — beds, couches, dressers — will complete the renovation.

“It’s just a modern twist on everything — very white, very clean and crisp-looking,” Goller said.

Vandervert Construction of Spokane is the general contractor for the project.

“The hotel can’t afford to take all rooms out of commission at once, so we’re doing phases of 40 to 50 rooms at a time, including rooms currently just used for storage,” Goller said.

She said the last room renovation occurred about seven to eight years ago, when Hampton by Hilton traded out its furnishings for a fresh set.

Goller explained this is regular practice for the hotel chain.

“Because we are a Hilton brand hotel, we are required to do a 20-year project improvement plan toward updated, modern furnishings. It’s called their ‘Forever Young Initiative’ …(and is) required by Hilton to remain a Hilton-affiliated hotel,” she said.

Richland’s Hampton by Hilton was built in 1996.

Goller said at least a partial renovation occurs every six to 10 years as a component of the improvement plan. Richland’s Hampton by Hilton’s lobby and meeting space underwent a remodel a few years ago.

“Our primary focus is the guest rooms … We love our location just off of the river and doing this update is going to help us improve our guest experience,” Goller said.

The Richland Hampton by Hilton will remain open during the remodel, though guests are advised that work on the remodel is underway from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Richland Hampton by Hilton, at 486 Bradley Blvd., can be reached at 509-943-4400.