Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

The Hillshire Hotel, along Queen's Drive in Montego Bay, had a soft opening, on Sunday. The property first came on the market in 1985 as La Mirage. - Noel Thompson/Freelance Photographer

The old La Mirage hotel in Montego Bay has been rebranded with its managers now saying the small, 21-room property will offer casino gaming as part of a full entertainment package that also includes a 'gentleman's club'.

The investment scheme Cash Plus, headed by Carlos Hill, acquired the property in February 2006, and has renamed it Hillshire Hotel.

Hillshire's renovation under way for eight months was being finalised last Friday when Wednesday Business visited ahead of a soft opening of the property on Sunday, October 21.

On Tuesday, the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission said casino gambling remains illegal and that Hillshire would not have had a licence to offer that service.

Hotels and other operations, however, are allowed to operate particular games and slots, under licence granted by the commission.

But the BLGC also said, following a review of its gaming system, that no application was made, nor has a licence been issued for Executive Inn.

Hill is the property's third owner in 22 years.

Built in 1985, the hotel, located on Queen's Drive, in walking distance of the Sangster International Airport, began as La Mirage under the ownership of Osmond and Marcia Erskine.

Source of earning

Carlos Hill, chairman of Cash Plus Group, acquired Hillshire, formerly Executive Inn, in 2006. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

The hotel, which was most notable for its bright colour, made much of its earnings off meetings and functions.

The Erskines sold out the property in 2004 to St. Ann businessman Danny Gonzales, operator of Beep Beep Tyres and Batteries, who renamed the hotel Executive Inn.

Cash Plus acquired it two years later for an undisclosed price.

Hillshire's General Manager, Valerie Brimo-Marzouca, also refused comment on the cost of the refurbishing.

She said Sunday's event was meant to whet the appetite of persons who have been curious about the project. The grand opening is scheduled for November, at a date to be announced.

Brimo-Marzouca said Hillshire would be capitalising on the concept of entertainment tourism and will offer casino gambling and a gentleman members-only club.

"It will essentially be an entertainment complex," said Brimo-Marzouca.

"We will endeavour to have different nightly concepts, incorpo-rating a '70s '80s night, salsa, karaoke and a 24-hour restaurant. We have constructed a large pool bar and will also offer outdoor massage."

The property employs 70.

noel.thompson@gleanerjm.com