Hotel Artesia recently sold to Henry Bhakta of Prominence Hospitality and 5-Star Hospitality, LLC, which will be the management company responsible for staffing and day-to-day operations.
Bhakta purchased Hotel Artesia with the vision to transform it into a Spark by Hilton and is currently collaborating with an architect and interior designer to plan a $500,000 renovation project, scheduled to begin in May and conclude by the end of the calendar year.
According to Bhakta, most of these renovations will affect the interior of the building rather than the exterior, unless Hilton specifically requests some exterior change. Construction will begin with the upper floors and move downward to allow the hotel to remain open.
Other noticeable changes will involve the transformation of the lobby from a bar to a general lobby. Bhakta allowed the previous owners to sell the liquor license themselves, as he had no interest in the liability of a liquor license.
For Bhakta, who also owns Artesia’s La Quinta Inn & Suites at 2207 W. Main St., the foremost goal is to serve the Artesia community by providing travelling guests with a “good, modern product.”
Bhakta said, “This renovation will be a positive for the community and staff,” who are “doing an extremely great job.” Bhakta maintained as much of the staff as possible and promoted an existing staff member, Cassie Smith, to the position of general manager.
Citizens with further questions or who are interested in applying for a job can reach out to Smith at the hotel by calling 575-746-2066.
