Thrill seekers looking to stay close to America’s Roller Coast this summer, will have a fresh hotel to stay at as the former Breakers Express has completed its transformation into the Cedar Point’s Express Hotel, 1201 Cedar Point Drive in Sandusky.
A private unveiling of the new amenities took place April 27 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and briefing by Cedar Point’s Director of Communications Tony Clark, Cedar Point’s Vice President and General Manager Jason McClure and Erie County Chamber of Commerce President Pamela Smith.
Mr McClure and Mr Smith shared the giant scissors as they cut the ribbon, signifying the grand opening of the hotel, which will be available to guests starting May 5.
Following the ribbon-cutting and hotel tour, attendees then were invited to tour and test out the new Sports Force Parks at Center Point Sports Center, 3115 Cleveland Road West in Sandusky. The park opened in March, but hosted its grand opening April 27.
Sports Force Parks Business Development Director Jim Arnold said the vision of the expansive facility revolved a round three key factors: sports, family and fun.
In addition to nine large fields capable of accommodating a wide variety of sports, the park includes a Sky Bounce Bungee Jump, a Putt-In Bay Mini Golf Course, a Sky Trail Ropes Course, two playgrounds and more.
Mr Clark began the morning’s festivities by giving a glance at some of the changes made to the hotel during Cedar Point’s off-season. Upgrades include an all-new, remodeled lobby with fresh colors, flooring and front desk area.
To the left of the main entrance is an expanded merchandise location filled with items such as Cedar Point shirts and shorts, and a case that prevents the possibility of a cell phone flying out of the pocket of a roller coaster rider. Both the courtyard in the front of the hotel, as well as the one in the center which includes a pool, spray-ground, tables, chairs and large umbrellas, also were refurbished.
The hotel now contains 419 rooms, including 69 brand new rooms that now enclose the center courtyard.
Mr Clark pointed out most of the new rooms are connecting, meaning several families or large groups can stay more closely together.
ÒEach of the rooms feature a fridge, a microwave, premium bedding, complete new colors and the bathrooms have also been remodeled from the ground up,Ó said Mr Clark. ÒSo, it’s a really nice experience when you’re staying overnight.Ó
Mr Clark also noted there is a coffee maker in each room.
Those who stay at any one of Cedar Points hotels or resort properties also have access to benefits other guests do not, such as entry an hour early to the parks, discounted tickets and the closest rooms to where the action happens.
ÒWe have some of the biggest rides open during that time, so not only at Express, but all of the other properties that we have; that’s the perk that comes with staying at any Cedar Point hotel property,Ó said Mr Clark, noting ticket packages, which include parking, also are much cheaper.
Mr McClure thanked those in attendance and said it’s an exciting time of year as Cedar Point prepares to open its gates to the public May 6. He said the newly upgraded Cedar Point Shores water park will open Memorial Day weekend.
ÒThis (hotel) really fits into our vision to provide fun and to be the destination for thrills,Ó said MrÊMcClure. ÒThere’s no better way to visit Cedar Point than to stay at some of our resort properties, whether it’s Hotel Breakers over on peninsula, or now the quickly refurbished and brand new Cedar Point’s Express Hotel. We’re excited to share it and show it off today.Ó
Mr McClure thanked all those involved in the renovation, as well as the community for their support.
ÒThere’s been a great sense of community in Erie County and the city of Sandusky over the last several years and it’s delivering benefits, not just to Cedar Point, but to the whole community,Ó he said. ÒAnd we’re excited to be a part of that.Ó
