COMMERCE - Citizens in Commerce were left scratching their heads this week after noticing a sign that once read Holiday Inn Express is now labeled Hotel Azul and Suites.
“We didn’t know anything until we saw them hanging the banners Thursday,” City Manager Marc Clayton said.
In a phone call to the business Friday an employee stated that they’ve gone from a franchise to an independent hotel.
“The hotel motel occupancy tax will apply to them no matter what their name is,” commented Clayton.
Holiday Inn Express was brought to the city as part of a land deal with Texas A&M University-Commerce roughly ten years ago. The deal had previously allowed for construction of a new Wal-Mart and eventually brought in Lone Star Eatery Grill and Bar.
Clayton added, “As far as the city... they [business owners] can change their name to whatever they want to. They’re supposed to get a sign permit to change their signs.”