Hotel proposed for Buffalo Grove golf course

Buffalo Grove's high-end golf course, the Arboretum Club, could have a hotel in its future.

The village board received a visit this week from Brian Burton, chief operating officer of Fairway Suites, who presented a plan to put a hotel on a portion of the club's parking lot.

Located near Route 22 and Buffalo Grove Road, The Arboretum Club is one of two golf courses owned by the village.

Burton proposed an agreement between Fairway Suites and the village that would call for a 92-room, four-story hotel at the course. The Arboretum Club, which currently has restaurant and banquet facilities, would provide lunch and dinner services at the hotel.

Burton said the venture would increase golf rounds, food and beverage sales, pro-shop sales and meeting room rentals at the club.

“Our (modus operandi) is that we put hotels on golf courses,” he told the board.

When Trustee Andrew Stein asked about competition from similar hotels near golf courses in the area, Burton replied that the concept proposed — which is aimed squarely at the business traveler — would set it apart.

Trustee Steven Trilling said he is concerned about putting more amenities on the site than it can handle, and he was particularly concerned about the location of parking.

Trustee Jeffrey Berman questioned the concept of a “joint venture” and warned that Burton would have to “prove up” that the proposal would not negatively impact golf course neighbors, as was the case when the village constructed the course's maintenance facility.

The matter is still in the preliminary stage. Fairway eventually will have to return to the board for referral to the plan commission before the proposal moves any further.