Proposed Hotels May Ease Room Shortage

No matter how many high-tech businesses and golf tournaments officials bring to town, without more hotel rooms the city could end up losing money.

Last year, city officials estimated that more than 2,000 visitors who could have stayed in Simi Valley were forced to go elsewhere, costing the city tax revenue, Assistant City Manager Brian Gabler said.

But at least one new hotel, and possibly two, may help solve that problem.

Pacifica Co. of San Diego has proposed building a four-story, 80- to 100-room Marriott hotel on two acres near the intersection of Madera Road and California 118.

In addition, the developers of two 18-hole golf courses at Lost Canyon are contemplating building a hotel. They have set aside 10 acres for a resort-style hotel with 100 to 300 rooms, said Jay Colliatie, director of the Lost Canyon golf course project, off the north end of Tapo Canyon Road.

When the Ladies Professional Golf Assn. held a tournament at Wood Ranch Golf Club in February, Simi Valley’s four hotels were fully booked. As a result they sent prospective guests to hotels in Thousand Oaks and Camarillo.

“That showed us [that] if we want to attract corporations and large events we need hotel rooms,” Gabler said.

Pacifica’s plans are in the preliminary phases, and the company is conducting a profitability study, said company Vice President Deepak Israni.

“Simi Valley has seen good growth in the past few years. It has a strong business base, which is always good for a hotel, he said.”