The Wildwood Lodge in Lake Elmo is now a Holiday Inn & Suites.

The name change was spurred by the Heart of America Group, which still owns the hotel, as part of an effort to take advantage of a points system for guests, better name recognition and a centralized registration platform.

The change went into effect Nov. 19 at the 99-room hotel, which was built in 2003, said Lori Rapach, sales executive.

“We’re really excited,” she said.

There have been some updates associated with the change—signage, bedding, fixtures, etc.—but the décor of the hotel will otherwise remain the same.

“That’s what (guests) always come here for,” said Katherine Minks, director of catering.

The hotel is popular with business travelers and those attending weddings there or nearby, Rapach said, and the name change should help draw a wider audience.

A grand opening event was held Thursday, with Lake Elmo City Council members and Mayor Dean Johnston—and Washington County officials, including Commissioner Gary Kriesel—on hand for a ribbon-cutting event.

Often, travelers are “driven by the points,” said hotel GM Mo French, referencing the new program at the Holiday Inn.

But at the same time, “our pride is in our product and our service,” she said.