Mark Frank, the new owner of Westport Inn in the Marina District, has settled in, developed a strong management team, and says he is looking forward to not only a prosperous summer season, but also learning more about and enjoying Westport and the South Beach.
Frank completed his purchase of the property in mid-January from former owners, Westport residents Mark and Desiree Dodson. This is his and his business partner and mom, Barbara Frank’s second acquisition in the lodging industry field. Their first was the purchase of the Coastal Inn and Suites in Long Beach a year ago this month.
Frank works at that property full time currently, traveling to Westport for a couple of days each week to oversee operations here.
With a sharp eye on service, as well as the bottom line, Frank says, “I’m really looking forward to working with the community and fellow Westport business owners to bring more tourists and fishermen to Westport.” A new member of the Westport Grayland Chamber of Commerce, Frank hosted the group’s last Chamber After Hours event at the motel a couple of weeks ago to introduce himself and get to know others with the same goals.
Family business
Frank’s dad Leo started the family amusements business in 1986, developing it into the ownership and operation of four major bowling/amusement centers, including two in Portland, Oregon and two in Washington’s Tri-Cities.
Born in Portland and raised in Vancouver, Wash., after trying other pursuits, he joined his dad in the business 30 years ago at the age of 24. During the ensuing years, Frank earned a bachelor’s degree in Internet technology and two master’s degrees, one in technology and another in conflict resolution.
With his father’s death in 2006, Frank took over management of all businesses operations.
Shift to hospitality field
The sale of Hollywood Bowl in Portland last year afforded the Franks the opportunity to purchase the two motel properties. One of the Tri-Cities operations recently sold, as well. The other two businesses are currently leased and also on the market, giving Frank time to concentrate on the Long Beach and Westport motel complexes.
Rooms, cottages, RV Park
Westport Inn & Suites offers eight King suites on the third floor with ocean views, three King and six Queen suites on the second floor, also with ocean views, and six double queens and three kings on the first floor.
The second floor also includes a full apartment unit that sleeps up to 10. Great for reunions or a gathering of friends, the unit includes a full kitchen, dining area, living room, and two bathrooms.
Depending on the floor and number of beds, motel units range in price from $109 to $350 per night. The motel also offers a second floor deck available to all guests that is great for entertaining.
The Westport Inn also features seven new guest cottages that include Jacuzzi tubs and private porches. Sleeping two or four, cottages rent for $150 to $199 per night.
In addition to the motel and cottages, the property includes 32 RV spaces at $35 per night with full hook-ups, restrooms, showers, laundry and fish cleaning station.
Meeting hall
Guests may also take advantage of the opportunity to rent Coho Hall, a building at the front of the property that includes a full kitchen, a workout room and plenty of space for family and/or friends gatherings.
The Westport Inn is also pet-friendly, with rooms available that welcome your four-footed family members.
Family matters
A single dad, Mark and his son Landin, who is 14, live in Ilwaco. The two enjoy hunting in the fall and Mark helps with the Ilwaco baseball program. Their best friend is a German shorthair named Shadow, who, appropriately, enough, follows Mark wherever he goes, including his weekly sojourns to Westport.
Frank says that he’s looking forward to spending time with Landin in Westport this summer, taking in the local festivals and getting in some deep-sea fishing, as well.