A long‑neglected Bemidji hotel has reopened with a new name, new ownership, and a $1.5 million makeover. The former Hotel Bemidji is now operating as City Express by Marriott after owner Rakesh Patel completed an extensive renovation of the 70‑room property.
Patel acquired the hotel in January 2024 and quickly discovered how outdated it was. Much of the interior still reflected its 1994 origins—original carpets and wallpaper, aging fixtures, and guest rooms outfitted with mismatched televisions. Seeing both a challenge and an opportunity, Patel committed $1.5 million to modernize the building and position it to meet the region’s growing demand for affordable lodging, especially during peak tourism months.
To elevate the property without undertaking a full reconstruction, Patel aligned the hotel with Marriott’s City Express brand, which he said offered the most efficient path to upgrading the guest experience.
Progress was steady until a powerful June windstorm tore part of the roof from the building, sending water into several rooms and pushing the project back by two months. The delay coincided with a surge of contractors in town for storm‑related work, further tightening timelines.
Patel believes the refreshed design and new brand affiliation will help shift public perception. Updating the hotel, he said, allows it to reset expectations and attract a different level of guest.
(See origintal news story here.)
Leave a Reply