Innisfail's long-standing R&R Inn will no longer grace the busy QEII corridor.
The Motel 6 chain is taking its place.
“Jahwa Kawamura bought the property in spring of 2014 with the intention of replacing the small family chain with a more prominent, stronger market presence in Innisfail,” said Christa Lamboo, Motel 6 manager. “Joining the Motel 6 chain was her original goal and with that the existing building needed to be updated extensively.”
Lamboo added the hotel is essentially new, with every room redone from paint to furnishings in what the chain calls the “Phoenix Style” with hardwood floors and a more European look.
“Our suites will come with full kitchens, and the remaining rooms will either be single or double bed units,” said Lamboo. “While the original R&R had a breakfast buffet, we will have our ‘Marketplace', which will have vending machines, and muffins and coffee will also be available.”
She added the owner wanted to introduce a high-quality, economy hotel experience to Innisfail with the addition of Motel 6 to the local marketplace.
“The owner has invested a large amount of money into the hotel to turn it into a destination for travellers,” said Lamboo. “She has hired Jin Kim from Vancouver as general manager, who has extensive hotel management and grand opening experience to oversee the rebranding and rebuilding process.”
Lamboo, who previously managed another local hotel, noted the winter of 2013-14 was busy for the industry for Innisfail with highway and railway crews keeping local rooms filled.
“We are hoping that this year is just as busy as last year, which would help our rebranding process significantly,” said Lamboo. “The busier we are, the faster our name will get out there.”
Motel 6 will officially replace R&R Nov.12 when the new sign is slated to light up.
“We are looking forward to serving the Innisfail and QEII market,” said Kim. “At this point we don't know when our grand opening will be but it will likely be towards late November or early December. As soon as the sign goes up, it will be business as usual.”
Motel 6 operates 1,100 motels across the United States and Canada with its head office based in Texas. Its first location opened in 1962 in California and is still operating today.
