MARION - A new hotel is set to open its doors to the public in Marion on Dec. 20. Country Inns & Suites will feature 69 rooms with space to add 50 more if necessary.

Owner Jim Zeller of Marion said Tuesday that each room will be equipped with a flat-screen TV and free HBO. He said customers will also be treated to a full breakfast each morning as part of the reservation fee.

"We're a very family-oriented business," said Zeller, whose company, Zeller Properties, oversaw the construction work of the hotel. Country Inns & Suites is located on Halfway Road just south of 17th Street in The Hill subdivision.

"I think we made the right move," Zeller said. "We're right next to several nice restaurants and Rent One ballpark. And there is definitely a need for more lodging."

Zeller said the hotel will offer an exercise room, pool, hot tub and a comfortable lounge area that will include two large fireplaces.

Zeller, who also opened The Fairgrounds Inn in Du Quoin two years ago, said he is excited about Marion's December opening date.

"We just started work on the hotel the first of May, so I think we've done pretty well," he said. "I definitely like our location a lot. The investment was a little expensive, but I think it will pay off in the long run. I'm really looking forward to our first day in business."

Zeller projects a staff of 30 workers initially.

Marion Chamber of Commerce Executive Director George Trammell said the hotel is another asset to Marion.

"When people come to Southern Illinois, they now have another reason to stay in Marion," he said. "We have the restaurants and the hotels. And there are a couple more in the planning stages."

Trammell said the tourism industry in Southern Illinois benefits greatly. The more quality hotels for tourists to choose from, he said, the longer they are likely to stay in the region.

"For somebody like Jim Zeller who is not afraid to take a step up and invest his money and resources in building this hotel…I think that says a lot about our community."

Country Inns & Suites is a highly successful international mid-tier lodging chain with over 380 locations worldwide. Founded in 1987, this innovative lodging concept has locations in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, England, France, Mexico, India, Costa Rica and Panama.