Perry locals and tourists alike are anxious to see what’s next for the Hotel Pattee.
The historic hotel closed abruptly on July 31st in a “period of transition” after the former owners decided they no longer wanted to operate the hotel and stopped paying their loan.
Mayor Jay Pattee says he feels there are a lot of opportunities for the hotel here in Perry.
“I believe that the hotel has some huge potential and the right owner could really make it be all that it can be, and I think it could be a lot. I think those recreational opportunities we talk about in the near future, those are just beginning to happen. There are so many opportunities for the hotel that they didn’t have before” says Pattee.
So what does Mayor Pattee think the hotel needs? Positive promotion for one.
“I think there were lost opportunities before, due to poor marketing I think, actually. The right person that came in there, a true marketer, somebody that understands social media, somebody that could really make it go, it could be a huge thing” adds Pattee.
Pattee says he’s heard there are a couple different parties who have expressed interest in purchasing the hotel, though he the best option is someone who wants to become part of the community.
“That particular model would be a family operating the hotel, which I think would be the best thing for Perry. It would be a party that wants to move their family to Perry, become a part of the local community, operate the hotel as a family business, make a 20 year commitment and that would be a retirement plan for them. So I can’t think of a better motivation than that for someone to succeed.”
Stay tuned to Raccoon Valley Radio for updates on the Hotel Pattee as they become official.