Quality Inn Hotel Opens In LIC

Exterior and interior of the new Quality Inn Hotel in LIC. A new Quality Inn Hotel featuring sleek, modern accommodations for tourists and weary business travelers located just minutes from the Queens Plaza transportation hub has been opened in Long Island City..

The hotel opened its doors at 30-03 40th Ave. last weekend. Owner/manager Vipul Patel and his staff welcomed Big Apple visitors to its 48 units- each featuring a complimentary Internet connection, a daily complimentary breakfast and a 32-inch plasma television for use via complimentary satellite dish TV service.

Patel acquired the Quality Inn Hotel through a franchise agreement with Choice International Hotels, the owners of franchise rights to Clarion Inn, Comfort Inn and Quality Inn Hotels throughout the Unites States.

A spokesperson for Choice International said the hotel offers the first luxury units in the area for tourists and corporate travelers seeking quick access to Manhattan without the rapid pace of Midtown.

"This hotel provides all the luxury and amenities travelers are seeking, while located in the center of an old-fashioned, Queens neighborhood," spokesperson Jon Hastings said. "[We have] the best accommodations with a feeling of home."

Patel said, "This is the perfect location for tourists and business travelers seeking quick, easy access to all subways, buses and highways. We are also just minutes away from Long Island Rail Road access [to] Pennsylvania Station. Who could ask for more?"

Patel said construction costs for the 6- story, brick and granite hotel came to about $3.5 million and took some 18 months to complete.

According to Patel, 99 per cent of the hotel's customers will come from different states within the U.S. and from different countries. He anticipates businessmen and women will account for a good portion of the hotel's patrons.

Tourists will find that rates at the new Quality Inn will save them valuable vacation dollars, too. Introductory prices include a queen-size unit for $129 per night and a double-double unit for $149 to $169 per night. Grand opening prices will be adjusted at a future date, he added.

Patel guaranteed that the hotel would not offer short-stay rates. "If our staff is approached by anyone seeking such accommodations we will tell them 'No,' and suggest they go elsewhere."

"We expect to become good neighbors to this community," Hastings said. "We hope our presence will enhance the neighborhood to the benefit of local residents."

For more information on the new Quality Inn Hotel in Long Island City, go to www.choiceinternational.com and log on to Long Island City.