Council revokes Marigold Hotel’s business license

By Terry Murry on Thursday, December 9th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – The business license for the Marigold Hotel continues to be revoked. The Pendleton City Council unanimously voted to keep the license suspension in effect due to mounting problems stemming from the Southeast Court Avenue establishment.

Owner Shivam Patel of Portland appealed the suspension and had a hearing before the council Tuesday night. He outlined his plans for improving the property, including enhanced security, new management, and being present in Pendleton more frequently. The council said if he makes those changes, City Manager Robb Corbett could reinstate the Marigold’s business license.

“We don’t want an abandoned hotel sitting on Court Street,” Mayor John Turner said. “It’s kind of a two-way street. I think the city is sincere when we say we want him to succeed, but he’s got a hell of a lot of work to do.”

Corbett said it won’t be easy to earn that reinstatement.

“I take very seriously the responsibility that I have to ensure that before they get a license that they have convinced myself, the chief of police, and the community that they can be responsible business owners,” he said.

Turner said the meeting was well attended, and business owners near the hotel spoke to the difficulties they have faced from the hotel’s guests.