Oct. 28 was a day of celebration for many people associated with the new 119-room hotel Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn-Lombard. Located at 1250 Roosevelt Road, just west of Finley Road, this site was the home of the Holiday Inn for a number of years.

I attended their grand opening that day, took a tour of the building and tasted the cuisine that will be available in the hotel and adjoining restaurant called Glen Prairie.

As I walked through the doors and was checked in, the soft ambiance of the lobby was quite different from the last time I was there 10 years ago. What they did to this hotel was gut it and build it up with everything new from the existing rafters to the insulated low-E glass windows.

As I was guided into the reception area for the party, I was given a small sheet with a diagram of a yellow brick road on it. This map was a schedule of places to visit throughout the hotel that were of significance.

The theme for the evening, Green as The Emerald City, just made me happy. The green idea came from the fact that 100 percent of the construction came from recycled construction material and demolition metals. Their commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in a 100 percent smoke-free building, with local and sustainable foods, no Styrofoam products used, energy-efficient guest transportation, and cleaning agents selected based on low environmental impact among other features.

As we followed the yellow brick road on the map there were a lot of stops. They now have a 24-hour business center with high speed wireless Internet and printers to give you every opportunity to address your business during your stay. A boardroom is available for rent that holds 16 people but can change to 20 people if banquet chairs are used. They also have an enclosed pool and fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines and free weights.

Their rooms are beautiful. They have a CEO suite with a wet bar, plasma television, desk, safe and what they call a chill box. Every room was new, fresh and decorated in a soothing color.

The ribbon ceremony commenced with Glen Ellyn Village President Vicky Hase and Lombard Village President Bill Mueller sharing in the cutting of the ribbon. Owner of the hotel David Friedman, along with his wife Ronna who helped in decorating the hotel, looked elated as the festivities continued in the lower level.

Down the winding staircase was the “Land of Oz.” With smoke billowing from the floor of the banquet room entrance, giant plasma screens playing “The Wizard of Oz,” we were served “Wicked” martinis. They were green and delicious. Opening the door into their lower level banquet room was a huge white air balloon with the “Wizard of Oz” movie playing, billowing smoke, and elegant food stations set up throughout the room. The food that was made by the chef from their restaurant was absolutely delicious!

I do believe the giant plasma screens located on the lower level would be a great asset for any business presentation.

To check out all of the amenities offered, visit their Web site at www.crowneplaza.com/chi-glenellyn or call (630) 629-6000. Even Glenda the good witch would grab that “Wicked” martini, wave her magic wand and follow the yellow brick road to this destination.