Best Western Hotels & Resorts marked the arrival of its vibrant and stylish boutique hotel concept, Vib, with a grand opening celebration at its first US property in Springfield, Missouri.

"We are excited to mark the arrival of our first Vib brand in the US," said David Kong, president and CEO for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. "Vib was conceived to signal that today's Best Western is a contemporary and relevant brand, which offers a comprehensive portfolio of options that cater to today's travellers. Delivering an exciting and one-of-a-kind experience, Vib Springfield will enrich the community and today's Best Western."

The 92-room Vib Springfield features a combination of contemporary design and affordable style, with social engagement at the centre of the experience. With a focus on convenience and technology geared towards young professionals, the hotel features zones for work and play stocked with amenities including ample USB and power ports - supported with free wireless internet in the lobby and guestrooms, a grab-n-go station, a 24/7 sundries shop, premium food and coffee from one of the town's best-known fusion restaurants – Wheelhouse – eight gaming stations, a 24/7 fitness centre, a 24/7 electronic tech shop, a cozy fireplace lounge and a social Mezzanine. The hotel lobby is also home to an upscale bar featuring fruit-infused signature cocktails created with Vib guests in mind.

"Best Western has evolved significantly in recent years, expanding our portfolio from one brand to 11, to deliver the hotel offerings and unique experiences today's sophisticated travellers and developers expect," said Ron Pohl, senior vice president and chief operations officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. "The introduction of Vib was an integral part of Best Western's evolution, offering a boutique concept designed for the upscale hotel segment and filling a niche in today's competitive marketplace."

"We are proud to have partnered with Gordon Elliott, a highly respected and long-standing member of the Best Western brand, to develop our first Vib hotel in the US. We know his hotel will deliver the exceptional experience and service that makes the Vib brand stand out from the rest," continued Pohl.

Located in the heart of its hometown, Vib Springfield is just minutes from popular attractions including Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, Bass Pro Shop, Discovery Center of Springfield, Gillioz Theatre, Hammons Field, and Park Central Square. The Springfield-Branson National Airport is just 11 miles away, and the property is surrounded by the city's best shops, dining venues, bars, lounges and entertainment venues.

"We are thrilled to open the first Vib in the US and to invite travellers to experience this very unique product," said Gordon Elliott of Elliott Lodging. "As a member of the Best Western brand for more than two decades, I am proud to have experienced the brand's transformation firsthand, and to be the first to bring this vibrant brand to life in the heart of Springfield."

Vib's thriving pipeline now includes numerous properties in exciting markets from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Miami to Los Angeles, San Diego, Staten Island, Pittsburgh and New Orleans.

Reservations for Vib Springfield may be booked by calling the hotel directly or by calling Best Western's 24-hour, toll-free reservations number. Reservations are also available from Best Western's website. - TradeArabia News Service