Columbia Falls eyed for hotel

An inquiry about building a 50-room hotel in Columbia Falls recently came through Columbia Falls City Hall, according to City Manager Susan Nicosia.

“They haven’t actually submitted a plan, but they’re taking a preliminary look at the utilities in the water and sewer systems,” she said. “But there’s no information attached with the inquiry so we don’t know if it’s a chain.”

The inquirer told Nicosia the plans include 50 rooms and a conference center. The area of interest is off U.S. 2 near the Pinewood Aquatic Center, Columbia Fall’s municipal pool.

There are currently no hotels within Columbia Falls city limits, although the River Rock Hostel operates on Seventh Street East. Several bed and breakfast inns are located in the surrounding area, and a Super 8 motel is located less than a mile east of Columbia Falls.

Reporter Seaborn Larson can be reached at 758-4441 or slarson@dailyinterlake.com.