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Miami looks to build a new hotel on Cook Field

Miami University is in the early stages of developing a new university-affiliated hotel, with one proposed location being the northwest corner of Cook Field. The request for proposals opened on Sept. 5 and closed at the beginning of October. 

While the new hotel would not be owned and operated by Miami, it would be marketed as “university-affiliated,” meaning it would be listed on the Miami website and be the recommended hotel in Oxford. 

Currently, Oxford has 379 total hotel rooms. There is a 92-room Fairfield by Marriott, located at 5186 Morning Sun Rd, that is underway and is anticipated to be finished by April 2025. There is also an 83-room Holiday Inn Express in development. 

Miami’s current on-campus lodging option is the Marcum Hotel and Conference Center. According to a university press release, the new hotel option would be a full-service hotel with meeting spaces, a fitness center and food and beverage services. 

The Cincinnati Business Courier reported that one of the primary reasons for replacing the Marcum Hotel is its overall lack of amenities. Additionally, university administration wants the hotel to be more centrally located on campus. 

In addition to the proposed hotel project, Miami is also considering replacing Millett Hall with a new, more centrally located arena. 

Both projects have yet to be approved by the Board of Trustees. The Board’s next meeting is in December. 

reieram@miamioh.edu