Chamber honors LaQuinta as June's 'business of the month'

SANSPOINT — LaQuinta received the Business of the Month award from the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in mid-June.

In operation for the last 29 years at their downtown Sandpoint location, LaQuinta Inn was formerly known as Best Western Connie’s Motor Inn and became LaQuinta in 2000. Employing approximately 22 people with five long-term employees working as many as twelve to twenty years, LaQuinta goes above and beyond for their guests.

General manager Bonnie Eng who began working in 1980 when the first 28 rooms were in construction recants several stories of how her employees go the extra mile for their guests.

“We had an employee working one night when an elderly couple arrived without a reservation. We were full. The only hotel available was at Schweitzer. The couple was nervous they would not find it as it was late at night. Our employee gave them refreshments in the lobby and told them if they could wait until she was off shift, she would drive and show them the way. When her shift ended at 11 p.m., they followed her to Schweitzer.”

Eng recalled another story where a guest complained the iron in the room caused a rust stain on her blouse. The guest wanted the employee to have it dry cleaned before she checked out. After calling the local laundry, the employee learned it was not possible to have it done before the guest checked out.

“She took it upon herself to buy the guest the same exact blouse after she was off shift that day. She put it in the guest’s room with a note of apology and explanation, along with the soiled blouse. Obviously, our guest was surprised and delighted,” Eng said.

LaQuinta is a prime example of strong customer service and provides a wealth of amenities. Voted the best hotel in Sandpoint by the local community, LaQuinta Inn provides free breakfast, room service from Connie’s Café, and free high-speed internet access at a location within walking-distance to the downtown corridor of Sandpoint. Their facilities include meeting rooms, convenience store, outdoor swimming pool, spa, and fitness center.

Additionally, LaQuinta is a strong supporter of the community. Every year they work with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce to provide their parking lot off Main Street to support the Sandpoint Summer Sampler. Many of the entertainers for the annual Festival at Sandpoint stay at LaQuinta, and they are then photographed for their wall of fame.

Eng is active within the Greater Sandpoint Recreation and Tourism Council. Appointed by the board of directors in the fall of 2008, she attends meetings, participates in advertising co-ops, and shares a tremendous amount of history with regards to trends in tourism in Sandpoint.

“She is a wealth of information and ideas, and always willing to help when she can or when needed,” said chamber executive director Amy Little.