SEQUIM — The former EconoLodge at 801 E. Washington St., in Sequim is now the independently operated Ocean Star Inn.
The EconoLodge had been at the site since 1991 until the change on Feb. 1, according to Crystal Chavez, who has worked there for 19 years.
“I started with no kids,” she said. “I have four now — one who is ready to graduate.”
She and new manager Sang Oh enthusiastically offered examples of the changes that have been made in the building over the last three years into the present. All the flooring and the furniture in the guest rooms have been replaced. Each room contains a new glass sink bowl, refrigerator, microwave and K-Cup coffee maker. The TVs have been upgraded to 50-inch smart TVs with streaming. Countertops are made of quartz or granite.
The breakfast room, which had been closed since COVID-19 hit, has been remodeled and reopened.
“We offer more than previously,” at the complimentary continental breakfast, Chavez said. “Hard-boiled eggs, pancakes, waffles, yogurt, cereal, fruit, oatmeal, milk, OJ, apple juice, pastries, coffee, tea, and hot cocoa …” she listed with add-ons from Oh.
All 42 rooms in the two-story motel are no-smoking and there are specially designated pet-friendly rooms on the first floor, with a pet fee of $15.
There is no pool, but there is a miniature golf course outside.
The new owner of the Ocean Star Inn, Kye Soo Youn, previously owned a motel in Moses Lake, Oh said, which he sold to buy a new motel.
“My boss wanted to find a new place,” he said.
Youn lives in Seattle, but visits often, according to Oh.
Oh lives on-site with his wife, Anna Oh, and their child. He said that he is impressed by the quietness of Sequim at night. When working at the motel in Moses Lake he heard traffic through the night, but not much in Sequim.
Chavez said she is happy with the change, and is excited about the upgraded breakfast and the “beautiful paintings” that have been added throughout the building.
Painter Anna Oh, who is self-taught and belonged to an artists’ group in South Korea, created at least 100 paintings which decorate the interior of the motel. The paintings are in the hallways, guest rooms, breakfast room and lobby. Each is unique, cheerful and colorful. Some of them feature flowers, landscapes and food.
The Ocean Star Inn is actively seeking more employees. “At least two for the front desk and three to four housekeepers,” Chavez said.
Interested parties can call (360) 683-7113 or email info@oceanstarinn.com.
For more information on the Inn, visit oceanstarinn.com.
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Emily Matthiessen is a reporter with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. Reach her at emily.matthiessen@sequimgazette.com.