First Marriott hotel opens in Perry near Georgia National Fairgrounds

The dual-branded Fairfield and TownePlace Suites is designed to support growing demand tied to the Georgia National Fairgrounds.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new Fairfield by Marriott and TownePlace Suites has officially opened in Perry, marking the first Marriott hotel in the city and the only one within a 15-mile radius.

The dual-branded hotel comes after years of development and is designed to meet the growing demand brought in by the Georgia National Fairgrounds. The hotel features amenities including a restaurant, pool, and fitness center, with a design inspired by agricultural elements and horse culture.

JJ Singh, president of Retreat Hotels and Resorts, says the project has been years in the making and Perry was a natural choice for development.

“We started this years ago with the Georgia National Fairgrounds in a partnership with them to build a beautiful convention center hotel, conference center hotel,” Singh said.

Singh says the fairgrounds draw nearly one million visitors each year, creating a strong need for additional hotel space. He adds the hotel is connected to the main conference center through an air-conditioned corridor, allowing it to directly serve guests attending major events.

“Perry is where Georgians come together and the world meets, actually,” Singh said. “The Georgia National Fairgrounds are here. They have a million visitors per year. First of all, we want to be able to service all that demand that comes in from the fairgrounds and be able to provide those guests a wonderful stay.”

Visit Perry Executive Director Anya Turpin says the hotel will strengthen the city’s ability to attract conventions and large-scale events while also benefiting local businesses.

“When one of us thrives, all of us thrive,” Turpin said. “If people have a good experience here, they’re going to tell their neighbors and their friends. People tend to try things they can’t get at home, and I think it’s really going to drive people to experience not just the Georgia National Fairgrounds, but our local shops, restaurants, and things to do beyond these walls.”

Turpin believes the new hotel will help Perry remain competitive as it continues to attract visitors throughout the year.

We also spoke with the marketing director of the Georgia National Fairgrounds, who says there have already been a number of conventions booked specifically because of the opening of the new hotel.