West Seattle’s only motel, Seattle West Inn, to temporarily close

| Triangle | West Seattle news

(Wednesday morning photo by Patrick Sand for WSB)
When yesterday’s SWAT-involved situation at West Seattle’s only motel – the Seattle West Inn and Suites – happened, we already had been working on an update about the renovation plans the motel’s new owners have been working on (here are our previous stories – last December 15th and December 21st). The motel owners’ spokesperson, Lynn Sweeney, tells WSB they have changed their plan (which originally was to stay open during renovations):

Effective Monday, April 4, 2011 the Seattle West Inn and Suites will temporarily close all motel operations.

When we purchased the motel in October, the intent was – and has been – to renovate the space to offer West Seattle a clean, safe and family-friendly place to stay in our community. My family has lived in West Seattle for many, many years, so it’s easy to attest to the fact that the existing site has had a negative aura for quite some time.

Our hope was to be able to keep operations going as the renewal took place, but given unfortunate events such as the S.W.A.T incident from this past Wednesday, we’ve decided to close the doors and reopen once the transformation is in full swing.

When reopened, the site will offer our community a clean, friendly, safe, welcoming and convenient lodging option, somewhat similar (although not exact) to what was done with the former Travel Lodge in Boise, which is now a well-regarded and popular destination, The Modern Hotel (themodernhotel.com). …

We aim to have model guest rooms complete in the next three to four weeks and exterior paint with some landscaping in the same general time frame, weather permitting. In addition to a new guest room product (which includes soundproofing, carpet, paint, tile, counters, window treatments, bed, and fixtures and furniture) a few of the enhancements include a new central security and door lock system, a credit-card-only policy, a non-smoking environment, and complimentary breakfast and WiFi in the lobby.

While we don’t have a soft opening date set as of yet, we anticipate it will be prior to the first of June and in time for the summer season.

A separate followup is in the works regarding the aftermath of yesterday’s incident.

Diane March 31, 2011 (2:06 pm)

smart move

Jenn March 31, 2011 (2:12 pm)

That is so exciting. It will be really nice to have a place close to home for out of state family friends instead of downtown. Good Luck and Thanks!!

Westbird March 31, 2011 (2:44 pm)

That makes a lot of good sense. Out with the old in with the new. We often have business clients & family in town and need an inn/hotel that is nice,clean, comfotable, and located in West Seattle. We hope to be able to send them your way after your re-opening. I think a grand opening for the public would be a good idea as well.

Brian March 31, 2011 (3:07 pm)

I hope they do pull this off like the Modern…I stayed in a similar concept in Portland called the Jupiter http://www.jupiterhotel.com/ and it was outstanding. Clean, mid-century modern, and very well done all the way through. Perfect for West Seattle!

Brian March 31, 2011 (3:36 pm)

I love the vibe at the Jupiter in Portland!

jiggers March 31, 2011 (4:10 pm)

Don’t hold your breaths.

knm March 31, 2011 (4:34 pm)

I really REALLY hope they can pull this off too! We really need at least one clean, affordable and comfortable hotel/motel in WS!

Mae March 31, 2011 (4:40 pm)

Ooooh I’ve stayed at the Modern in Boise! It was really nicely redone and had a great feel to it. Very exciting that we could have something similar in West Seattle!

Cheryl March 31, 2011 (4:42 pm)

This sounds like a good plan. And again, I’m VERY excited by what this will all look and feel like when it’s done. A great concept and much needed asset for West Seattle IMO.

RJB March 31, 2011 (4:42 pm)

Best of luck….we are pulling for you and I for one am very excited!!!

nice March 31, 2011 (5:20 pm)

Very cool. Sometimes life sends messages in a BIG (S.W.A.T.) way! Were you listening before?! lol! good luck!

sw March 31, 2011 (6:57 pm)

Sometimes things happen for a reason. Smart move to use the recent incident to your advantage. If this project is reminiscent of The Modern or Jupiter, I predict you will have great success. This will be a fabulous addition to The Rock.

Genessee neighbor March 31, 2011 (7:59 pm)

I’ve lived in WS most of my life and unfortunately, I’d never consider staying at this motel. WS needs a safe, family friendly, welcoming motel! I hope that is what happens here after the years and years of a bad reputation. Good luck – I wish you well! Seriously.

Moji March 31, 2011 (8:36 pm)

I am very excited to have a place for famy to stay so close to my house!! Kudos to you and lots of luck! I will definitely send customers!!!

Magpie March 31, 2011 (10:30 pm)

Hope this works out. I remember when it was the Mar-Lyn and my family would stay there when they visited. It really started going downhill in the 80’s..nice to see someone who cares about the nieghborhood is taking it over. Good luck!

Rview March 31, 2011 (10:43 pm)

I look forward to a day when I do not have to explain to my daughter why strange women can be seen entering and exiting at all hours. I do hope the place can be turned around.

yikes April 1, 2011 (6:39 am)

Get rid of those blue and ragged railing covers… it is the most prominent thing you see when you look at the motel and it makes the place so tacky looking!

Good luck!