'Abandoned' Route 9 Hotel Will Reopen as Holiday Inn

A hotel that's sat empty on Route 9 for years just announced that they will be reopening soon.

Three years ago we took a tour of the 21 abandoned businesses up and down Route 9 in Dutchess County. We're happy to say that since then, quite a few of those locations are no longer abandoned. And now we can add another new business to that list.

A Poughkeepsie hotel that also has a long, storied history in the entertainment industry will finally be reopening, but under a whole new name. The former Mercury Grand Hotel at 2170 South Road will soon see new life as a Holiday Inn. The hotel, situated across the street from Bonefish Grill in the Town of Poughkeepsie, had fallen into disrepair over the past decade, but once it was the crown jewel of the Hudson Valley.

A. Boris

Decades ago, the hotel was a Best Western and home to Bananas Comedy Club. The club launched the careers of many famous comedians, who still talk fondly about the legendary venue. Back in 2015 Jimmy Fallon talked about getting his big break at Bananas with guest Louis C.K. who also recalled his time at the Poughkeepsie comedy club.

After Bananas moved out of the hotel it was renamed to the Clarion and then changed it's name again to the Mercury Grand Hotel. Falling into disrepair, the hotel was eventually closed down for years. But crews had been seen hard at work on the property, making many people wonder if it was being transformed into something else, or if it would see new life as a hotel again.

This week a sign officially went up in front of the hotel announcing that it would be a Holiday Inn. According to the hotel chain's website, the Poughkeepsie Holiday Inn is a "one hundred percent newly renovated full-service hotel." The new location will feature an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar and event space that can hold up to 300 people.

A. Boris

The hotel is scheduled to open "on or after February 11." However, reservations are only available on the website after March 26. The hotel is offering standard rooms with either a king or two queen beds and suites that include a separate living space with a pull out bed. All rooms are equipped with a microwave and Keurig coffee maker. Weekend rates start at $150 for a standard room up to $180 for a suite.

Hyatt Place, a brand new 93-room hotel, recently opened up right across the street from the new Holiday Inn.

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