The representatives of Chrudim will vote on the Bohemia hotel on Monday

photo: Chrudimské noviny

Chrudim - The completion of the modernization of the Bohemia hotel in Chrudim, which began in early 2013, would cost approximately 35 million crowns, including an above-ground parking lot. If an underground parking lot were to be built as well, the price would increase by 25 million crowns. Jiří Mařas, managing director of Homa holding, the company that owns the hotel, said this today during a tour for local council members. They will decide on Monday whether to insist on the underground parking lot to which the company committed years ago, or to compromise and agree to the cheaper option of simple parking on the surface.

Mařas claims that he cannot afford the expensive underground parking lot. "From the perspective of the hotel's economics, it is a non-recoverable investment," Mařas said.

The Homa holding company was originally owned by the well-known entrepreneur Jaroslav Strnad. The hotel modernization received a European subsidy, but in 2013, police began investigating the matter, and this year the court imposed suspended sentences on five defendants for damaging the financial interests of the EU and subsidy fraud, as well as financial penalties on two companies. Strnad had previously sold the company, which lost the subsidy, to Bazcom, which is owned by Mařas. Repairs have halted at the stage of rough construction with the utilities installed.

Council members are not unanimous in their opinion on conceding to the investor. "I would definitely insist on the underground parking lot," local council member Jaroslav Moučka (KSČM) told reporters. Others point out that the hotel must be completed and opened, as the city lacks a large accommodation facility. Chrudim also previously contributed to the relocation of utility networks at the parking lot site, as it should also serve the public to some extent. Mařas claims he will return the provided 750,000 crowns once he reaches an agreement with the city.

The Bohemia hotel, built in the early 1970s, should have 152 beds after reconstruction, compared to the original 132. It will also include a conference hall, a restaurant and lounges, bowling, and wellness facilities.