New Ownership Brings New Look, New Feel To Hotel

The Glenwood community got its first look at the Hotel Arthur last week and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive from curious citizens impressed by the remarkable renovation of the 41-year-old building.

Formerly known as the Western Inn Motor Lodge, the structure at 707 S. Locust St. was purchased last year by Ryan and DeShawne Sell and  transformed into a sparkling, modern-day lodging facility. The Sells offered tours of the hotel during an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday sponsored by the Glenwood Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re really excited,” DeShawne Sell told her guests. “As we’ve said, we hope it’s a place you’d be proud to have your mother or mother-in-law stay at.”

The motel makeover took months, with Ryan overseeing the project and doing much of the work himself.

“He didn’t allow me to come in here from Feb. 22 to May 15 because he wanted to surprise me,” DeShawne said.
Glenwood residents who remember the shaggy 1970s carpet, outdated furniture and dark ambience of the Western Inn won’t recognize the building now.

The Hotel Arthur, named after DeShawne’s grandfather, features an expanded lobby and dining area to go along with 28 completely-remodeled guest rooms that feature large flat-screen televisions, new floor coverings, fixtures and furniture. The cool gel mattresses in the guest rooms have been a big hit with hotel patrons, DeShawne said. The large honeymoon suite is trimmed with walnut molding and features a two-person bathtub and dual shower heads.
The main hallway in the hotel has been brightened with the addition of a  large picture window at the north end of the building.  Crowned molding over the guest room doors and large room numbers bring a new look to the hallway. The exterior facelift includes flower baskets and medieval-looking window shutters. Other improvements are in the works, including the installation of key card locks for the guest rooms.

The hotel has a 15-passenger van to transport guests to and from local destinations.

The Sells believe the hotel will compliment the region’s numerous wedding venues, wineries and tourist attractions and be a hotel Glenwood-area residents will feel comfortable having friends and relatives stay at when visiting the community.

Several Glenwood residents in attendance at Thursday’s festivities thanked and complimented the Sells for taking on the project and carrying out the much-needed renovations.