By KELLY ROCK

Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce

Opening their first hotel in 1998, AJ Jairam, wife Swati and family are no strangers to the hospitality and tourism industry.

Their newest hotel, Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Niles, held its official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

AJ’s first Niles hotel, the Comfort Inn & Suites, opened in 2000. In September 2010, they broke ground on their seventh hotel. One year later, on Sept. 27, 2011, it was complete. Today, it stands along the South 11th Street corridor at 1000 Moore Drive.

The new Holiday Inn has created 15 new jobs. The 70 suites vary in style and floor plan. Hotel features include a pool, fitness center, business center and wi-fi.

A conference room is available for those looking to host events or meetings.