The new 88-room Hampton Inn at Kelli Drive and Interstate 65 is half complete and is targeted for a fall opening, according to its manager Bill Simmons.

Simmons, currently assistant general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn, Winston-Salem/Hanes Mall, Winston-Salem, N.C., said although the Web site sets an October opening, “we’ve had some temporary setbacks.”

Simmons said the tentative opening date is Dec. 15.

“The Hilton can adjust the opening accordingly,” said Simmons. “We wanted to be open by the Fiddlers Convention, but I don’t think we can make it. Also, we were contacted by the Alabama Natural Gas Association that wanted all 88 suites, but we won’t be open in time.”

Simmons said the outside is finished and workmen are hanging Sheetrock on the inside.

“The elevators are about 75-percent complete and we’re getting in the bathtubs, but we have no furniture,” he said.

Simmons said he would bring one employee with him from Winston-Salem but hire the remaining staff locally.

Simmons, a native of Wilmington, N.C., has worked in the hospitality industry for 15 years.

“I have visited Athens and everyone is so nice,” he said. “Everyone at the Chamber of Commerce is super.”