Quad Cities hotel operator and hotel developer Frontier Hospitality Group (FHG) has sold the Best Western Steeplegate Inn in Davenport, one of its flagship hotels.
The hotel was purchased by a company called Global Brothers Davenport, LLC. The sale was “a bittersweet end of an era for FHG,” the former owners said in a news release. “The decision to sell one of the company’s flagship hotels was not easy, as the past 38 years running the hotel have been filled with cherished memories.”
But the sale came at an opportune time, FHG said, because of changes it has on the horizon, including plans to continue to build new hotels in Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois and beyond.
“For nearly four decades the Steeplegate has been a place where memories have been made, special occasions have been celebrated, and friendships forged,” said Dan Huber, CEO and co-owner of FHG.
The buyers, Global Brothers, will be retaining all current staff, wage rates and comparable benefits, and will continue to operate the hotel under the same name, Best Western Plus SteepleGate Inn, FHG said in the announcement.
Frontier leaders met previously with Steeplegate staff to answer questions about the sale. “Our thoughts are those of gratitude for the thousands of employees and guests who have made Steeplegate a special place,” Mr. Huber said in the release. “We also wish the new owners much success in building upon the Steeplegate legacy,” he added.
FHG has averaged the development of one new hotel per year since 2014. It continues to own and operate the Holiday Inn Express Moline – Quad Cities; Home2 Suites by Hilton, Bettendorf; Cambria Hotel Bettendorf – Quad Cities; Western Plus Dubuque Hotel and Conference Center in Dubuque, Iowa; Holiday Inn Express & Suites Riverfront in East Peoria, Illinois; and the Residence Inn by Marriott in East Peoria, Illinois.
Frontier also plans to build a Courtyard by Marriott north of its Home2 Suites in Bettendorf beginning later this year, FHG said. Details are expected to be announced in the fall.
“We have big plans for our future in hospitality, and we are grateful for our first 72 years in the industry, and most especially, our 38-year history with the Steeplegate,” Mr. Huber added.
The Best Western Plus Steeplegate Inn was developed by Bart T. Baker and Hamp Baker. It opened its doors in 1985 and has become an iconic business in Davenport over the past four decades.
