Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (May 08/00) - The newly-renovated Frobisher Inn in Iqaluit may have set a new standard for the market.

The grand opening was recently held at the inn to celebrate the renovations and the addition of a fourth and fifth floor.

The main lobby now boasts a new front desk and a new deli, which includes a gourmet coffee bar.

"We completely redeveloped the main floor," said Doug Cox, president of Nunastar, which owns the inn.

"We made the decision about one year ago to proceed with the development, the expansion and renovations," said Cox.

"We spent about $5 million overall."

The expansion created 45 rooms, bringing the total number at the inn up to 95. The inn was opened around 1970.

So, what's the reaction been?

"It's been very, very positive. Most of the guests we have seem to be absolutely thrilled in light of the quality of the rooms, the quality of the amenities, so it's very positive," said Cox.

The marketing director of Nunavut Tourism agreed.

"It's almost kind of like a little mall in there," said Maureen Bundgaard.

"For visitors at the hotel, staying at the hotel -- there's always been a number of services, but still it's nicer. You can stroll around or go to the movie or go to one of the stores and sit down and have a coffee," she said.

"I'm glad we have extra rooms and so on because, with Iqaluit being the capital of Nunavut, we're bound to have more and more visitors and more and more meetings, and so on."

"We've got some large corner suites with Jacuzzi tubs in them, king sized beds. All the rooms have coffee makers in them. Many of the rooms now have kitchenettes," said Cox, when describing the new rooms.

"We've got 12 suites that have interconnecting rooms that can be opened up to expand on, so that's good for people who have a large family or want to do some business."

"It's a new experience for people in Iqaluit," Cox said.