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Postcard circa 1960s
 
 
 
The classic Lancaster Motor Lodge lost most of its curb appeal (save for the Gate Lodge) during the late 1990s when the guest room buildings were rendered unappealing. Upon the removal of sliders and subsequent installation of small windows above improperly placed HVAC units, balconies and patios became non-functional and worse the exteriors of the guest buildings came to resemble Soviet era "block" architecture.
 
Photographs 1997: Courtesy of Dan Donahue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photograph 2002
 
 
 
Photographs courtesy of Bob Venditti
 
 
 
 
 

HJI's "INNPROVEMENTS"...not!
Coupled with the botched guest building remodel of the late 1990s, the Motor Lodge's operator has spent $5 million building a monstrosity in what had been the property's pleasant courtyard area. Called Caribbean, it is an 18,000 square-foot water play area which includes an arcade for food vendors. General Manager of the motel, Vinod "Vinny" Patel, said that "when guests see this, they will truly feel like they are in the Caribbean."

Please, I'm gonna feel like I'm in the Caribbean? Hey "Vinny," I don't think so!

The "attraction" is only open to guests and only after they have paid a seasonally adjusted admission price. What folly, and the nonsense will likely facilitate a more rapid decline of the classic location.

Right: A bit of original decorative concrete screen is not enough to help the site's curb appeal.
Photos March 29, 2007
 
 
 
 
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