La Quinta to open Sept. 20

Maricopa’s first hotel in 66 years will open Sept. 20, as the LaQuinta Inn & Suites at Copper Sky begins accepting guests. There will be a private, VIP event and ribbon-cutting for city officials and dignitaries at 9 a.m., then the doors will swing open.

“We’re going to cut the ribbon and start checking in guests,” said owner Andy Bhakta.

Bhakta said the pet-friendly hotel will feature amenities including an indoor 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. Room rates posted at WyndhamHotels.com start at $134 per night.

Bhakta said interest in the hotel is already surging.

“We’re already getting calls to book meeting space, group reservations, all those kinds of requests; it’s wonderful,” he said. “This is a long-awaited hotel – Maricopa needed a hotel a long time ago. We’re happy to be able to provide this service and we look forward to a nice future with the city of Maricopa.”

Despite delays in opening the property, Bhakta said he is already in preliminary discussions for a second hotel in Maricopa.

“It would be different brand,” Bhakta said. “We’re talking with several different brands. We have to open this hotel and see how everything goes, then we’ll make a decision.”

He said the hotel is still accepting applications for front desk, housekeeping and laundry attendant positions. Those interested can apply at www.ApplyAtLQ.com.