City Clears Way for Motel Conversions

With the city losing out on tax dollars because several older motels within city limits are no longer attracting overnight guests, the City Council has cleared the way for motel owners to convert some of their rooms into long-term rentals.

Tony Lombardo, a lawyer who represents the 110-room Marina Beach Inn on Del Monte Boulevard, said that the inn and other older motels are off the beaten path, and that overnight guests prefer staying at the newer hotels in Marina.

The city has identified the Marina Beach Inn and four additional motels -- the Marina Lodge Motel, Paramount Motel, Old Marina Inn and Laguna Lodge -- that could be considered for a similar conversion if the owners are interested.