The Grand Highland Hotel undergoes a renovation to better accommodate weddings, special events, and corporate events … and to bring it back to its 1900s roots
By Katie Chatham
The Grand Highland Hotel, located at the center of Prescott’s Historic Whiskey Row, has deep roots in the legends Prescottonians hold near and dear.
In 1900, Whiskey Row burnt to the ground in a detrimental fire that took out the whole block and some surrounding areas. Upon rebuilding the block of bars and hotels, The Grand Saloon and Hotel was reborn in 1903 and stood as a curio shop, when fire struck Whiskey Row once again. Out of the ashes of that second fire, in 2012 , the hotel was reborn and renamed: The Grand Highland Hotel.
In its new life, the hotel’s continued popularity has made the need for expansion increasingly prevalent. Although the 2012 fire was a loss for Whiskey Row, the visionary owners of The Grand Highland, Howard Hinson, Jr. and Nancy Hinson (son and daughter-in-law of the hotel’s second proprietor, Howard Hinson, Sr.) used it as an opportunity to build the Holiday Courtyard in the newly-vacant lot next door, to honor and preserve the space left behind.
Now, another expansion project—designed to increase the hotel’s capacity for weddings, special events, and corporate events—is on the horizon.
“We have decided to take this opportunity to remodel the first floor into three new spaces: a hotel reception, ballroom and meeting room,” explained Nancy.
The newest expansion project will add the Holiday Ballroom and Holiday Hall—both named for the curio shop “The Holiday Shop,” which operated from 1949 to 1984. Guests will have the option to rent any or all of the hotel’s available areas, and any or all rooms.
In short, the remodel will return the Grand Highland Hotel’s environment and atmosphere to its 1900’s roots. The hotel reception and the original doorway leading to the inside stairway on the first floor. The reception area will be immediately inside the front door of the building and offer relaxed seating, the hotel front desk and access to the Holiday Ballroom and Hall.
In addition, the reception area will be moving and there will be some restructuring of the hotel spaces. “We are excited about this!” Nancy said.
By day, the Holiday Ballroom will offer a large meeting space set in historic red brick with seating capacity to 152, including an audio system with two large flat screen television displays, portable stage, and podium.
By night, the Ballroom can become an elegant setting to host weddings, receptions, parties and corporate get-togethers with all the same amenities. The Ballroom and Hall can be used as a single space when the doors are opened, or can be used separately with the doors closed. Both the Holiday Ballroom and Hall have a door opening into the Holiday Courtyard, offering fresh air and an opportunity to serve meals and refreshments outdoors between meetings or to accommodate outdoor weddings and events. To allow for this expansion, the retail space in the hotel will be modified near the end of February.
The Grand Highland has seen many shifts and changes over the past century. It has grown with the community over the years and has offered rest and celebration to many. The community of Prescott near and the people that make it up, are equally as close to Howard and Nancy’s hearts as the deep history held by the hotel itself. Of her love and care for the community, Nancy said, “We are so grateful to be a part of this community. As part of the community since 1949, we are often honored to share with local non-profits by offering space for fundraisers and events. As a family, we feel it is important to support our community by giving back.”
For more information visit the Grand Highland Hotel at 154 South Montezuma Street in Prescott or online at www.grandhighlandhotel.com, or call 855.438.9963.