La Quinta Inn owner anticipates opening soon

The long-awaited – and frequently delayed – opening of the city’s first hotel, the LaQuinta Inn & Suites at Copper Sky, is just weeks away, according to the property’s owner.

Owner Andy Bhakta said construction of the hotel is essentially complete, with only “punch list” items remaining. With work on the hotel’s 89 guest rooms finished – the drapes are the exception – opening is tentatively scheduled for early July, he said.

Bhakta expressed some frustration with the delays, but when asked about the causes said he’s just ready to move forward.

“Many things (went wrong),” he said. “We just want to open. We have final inspections with the city and health department, drapery installations, many small miscellaneous items to complete, but I think we will open early July 2021 if the inspection (is) successful.”

Bhakta said COVID-19 had a major impact on general contractor’s ability to get building materials and led to issues with some subcontractors.

The hotel is taking reservations now at its new website for stays beginning Aug. 30 and beyond, said Bhakta, adding that once he has a certificate of occupancy, earlier dates will be made available.

He said that once the inspections and punch list items are completed, he will begin hiring staff. A “Now Hiring” banner will be hung once the property is ready, which could be as soon as the week of June 28.

Those interested can go to www.ApplyatLQ.com and apply for available positions including front desk attendants, night auditors, laundry attendants, housekeepers, and maintenance workers. The hotel is expected to hire between 18 and 22 staffers.

Bhakta said the hotel’s amenities will include a pool, jacuzzi, fitness room and meeting room. There will not be a restaurant on the property, but Bhakta said he will serve a hot continental breakfast daily.

Once open, the La Quinta Inn will be the first hotel to operate in Maricopa in 66 years. The city’s special projects director, Josh Bowman, told InMaricopa in March that according to an impact study, the hotel will generate about $300,000 per year in direct and indirect revenues for the city.