Oneida Indian Nation Acquires Hotel to Accommodate ‘Increased Visitor Demand’

The Oneida Indian Nation has acquired a hotel to meet “increased visitor demand” that it will rebrand as the Sandstone Hollow Inn. 

Forecasted to open on February 12, the new Sandstone Hollow Inn sits adjacent to Turning Stone’s golf course of the same name: Sandstone Hollow Golf Course. The name is derived from the land’s original use as a sandstone quarry. 

Terms of the Oneida Indian Nation’s purchase of Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham in Verona, New York, are “confidential,” Joel Barkin, the Tribe’s VP of Communications, told CNYBJ by email. 

The prime location near Turning Stone Resort Casino features 81 rooms with modern facilities and affordable rates. The new accommodations will fulfill the “growing demand” for rooms at the Tribal casino, which the Nation says is “the latest indicator of positive economic growth in the region.” 

“The Oneida Indian Nation is making this investment to accommodate the public’s increased demand for Turning Stone,” Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO, said. “This purchase will add much-needed additional accommodations for the growing number of visitors looking to enjoy the amenities at Turning Stone and people coming to visit the region.”

Turning Stone Resort Casino draws more than 4.5 million visitors annually from across the country to the area for its casino, award-winning spas and restaurants, five golf courses, year-round indoor Sportsplex, and more. 

The “majority” of Microtel’s 20 employees have been retained to work at the new hotel. Some of the employees chose to leave, and some “weren’t able to meet our standards,” per Barkin’s message.

With the hotel’s occupancy to “increase significantly” after reopening, the Oneida Nation anticipates it will likely require additional staff to meet the demand.

Cross-promotional initiatives include: Guests staying at Sandstone Hollow Inn will receive complimentary shuttle service to Turning Stone, and the Oneida Indian Nation’s innovative TS Rewards Loyalty Program applies at the Sandstone Hollow Inn as well as all at all Oneida Nation Enterprise businesses including the sports books. 

The Oneida Indian Nation has also partnered with Massachusetts-based developer Benchmark Development and Meyer Jabara Hotels to open a new Hampton Inn by Hilton in Verona, New York, this summer. The Hampton Inn by Hilton on Oneida lands is slated to feature 109 rooms, a fitness center, indoor pool and more. The hotel will mirror the appearance and ambiance of Turning Stone Resort Casino, with the lobby closely resembling the Lodge at Turning Stone.