HAMPTON -- If there's a business the Hampton area that best exemplifies success on the Seacoast it would have to be the Inn of Hampton on Lafayette Road. Opening the inn in 1979, Owner/President Barbara Blinn and Vice President/General Manager Jill Preston have brought their establishment to the height of good taste and elegance. And they're not stopping there.

Currently under construction and opening this spring, The Inn of Hampton's Conference Center will continue the tradition of bringing "Simply the Best" to its guests and customers.

"It was time to grow," Jill Preston ' explained recently. "We wanted to keep improving to fill the needs of our guests and the townspeople." The 3,000 square feet of "exceptional meeting and social space" is already well underway, thanks, Jill feels, in great part to the superb job Bernier Construction is doing.

"They've been wonderful. It's been a pleasure to work with them." Jill explained that the project is on schedule for the grand opening scheduled for mid-June. "They've gone above and beyond to make sure our wishes are carried out."

The downstairs of the new conference center will feature the Palladium Room, the Reed Room and the Board-room — three beautifully designed and divisible rooms that will allow the flexability to accommodate up to 175 seated in the Palladium Room to 225-250 standing guests when the rooms are opened up.

Director of Sales Nancy McKenzie, who has already booked several events at the center, says, "The decor will be incredibly elegant — and eloquent! It will be one conference center with an edge and a cut above."

Already the center has taken many reservations, including several weddings, one convention and several smaller meetings. The enthusiasm for the conference center extends past the Seacoast area to all over the northeast. Nancy has taken calls from Nashua, Concord, Pembroke and Manchester and says that a good part of the enthusiasm comes from Barbara and Jill's reputation for professionalism, experience and elegance.

"Particularly, the Seacoast residents really know what Barbara and Jill do," Nancy adds.

The second floor will house 16 executive suites that offers the best in comfort, style and amenities. The decor, currently being decided on by Jill, will be warm and inviting. The suites will have such extras as two TVs, a VCR, desks with ergonomic chairs, oversized beds, refrigerators and microwaves, coffee machines, a blowdryer, iron and ironing board.

"So many hours have gone into the thought and preparation to make these rooms simply the best and beyond expectations," Jill explains. She is understandably enthusiastic about the outcome. "'want people to realize the work that has gone into this to make each suite special and unique."

People will be able to see the elegance, style and professionalism of the new Inn of Hampton's Conference Center in the not too distant future. Their open house is scheduled for mid-June. If you're interested in finding out more about the facility, call Nancy McKenzie at (800) 423-4561 or locally at 926-6771.