PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The former Budget Traveler Inn in Presque Isle has a new owner, new renovations and a new name, the SureStay Hotel by Best Western.
Scott LaFleur, who hails originally from Nova Scotia, purchased the property in March from his dad and started renovations that included new walls, flooring, furniture, locks, televisions, an expanded lobby and breakfast room and the addition of a 24 hour fitness center.
“It was a major renovation,” LaFleur said. “We’ll be the first SureStay by Best Western in Maine.”
The hotel is located less than a mile south of downtown Presque Isle on Route 1.
LaFleur previously worked in northern Maine with the utility company Emera and in the hospitality business with his dad. He said he thought partnering with the Best Western company to bring its new SureStay branded hotel model to the region made sense, as there is a growing interest in tourism in Aroostook County.
“I recognized that there’s really no branded hotels besides the Hampton Inn north of Bangor,” he said, referring to the large hotel in Presque Isle. “We’re excited. We’re on Best Western.com. We’re starting to get on online booking agencies.”
LaFleur said the hotel recently wrapped up renovations and passed the Best Western inspection on Sept. 18.
The hotel has 52 rooms in four different room sizes, with the largest sleeping up to four people. The options also include an option aimed at travellers with longer stays, with rooms that feature a full kitchenette.
LaFleur said that outdoor tourism is likely to be a strong part of the hotel’s business, particularly with snowmobilers and visitors for other major events, such as ski and biathlon competitions at the Nordic Heritage Center.
“We’re right on the trails. I think a lot of that will be attractive for the hotel. I’m hoping with the brand we can attract more people to the area.”
LaFleur said the hotel is hosting an open house open for the public 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this article misstated the date of the open house.
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- This is the interior of one of the renovated suites at the SureStay Hotel by Best Western in Presque Isle. (Anthony Brino)
