Lynn Sweeney and husband Matt Pedersen talked about what the intent was in the re-invention of West Seattle's only motel, The Grove West Seattle Inn, during a public open house June 27.

Using a code phrase known and understood by locals Pedersen said, "It's West Seattle."

He's a proud former West Seattle Herald carrier too (back in the 70's) so their family roots here are deep.

Getting this project done was a challenge as any major makeover can be.

Sweeney said,"Initially we knew we wanted to clean it up and we wanted to give something for the community to have a place to stay but at point it was, 'how far do you go?' and as the owners and people who are invested in this financially theres the fine line between the vision and everything you want it to be and what pencils financially and how to go about doing it the right way. That was a process and it took some time. Once we got going then all of sudden it was like, 'we're moving on this' and how do you keep up with it. I've been jokingly calling a 'Labor of Labor' because that's a little bit of what it's been. It takes a lot of effort to get it to the point where you want it to be."

The debate about the colors was a long one said Sweeney but in the end her vision won out. "It actually made at dinner an interesting topic because it was all about colors, and whether we were painting the brick," Pedersen said.

General Manager Joey Disque provided tours of the revamped rooms pointing out the new mattresses, all Sealy Concierge brand, the bed linens, all minimum 300 thread count, and the fact the beds are "triple sheeted" which all adds up to the whole point of a good room. "It's comfort," he said.

The changes made to the facility are dramatic. The entire building has been painted in shades of gray and taupe with black accents, and trough planters with well chosen plants dot the edges of the interior parking lot (which combined with the front lot will accommodate 32 cars). Inside the rooms you'll find new carpeting with a plush pad, Seattle themed black and white photographs on the walls, and 32 inch flat screen televisions. He and his wife Cindy Causley are both very excited about the changes and she said, "I'd rent it every night!"

Touring the hotel was West Seattleite Gretchen Stephens who said, "We love it, the rooms are nice. It will be nice to have guests here in West Seattle if you have an overflow at your house."

There is a Family Suite that has a smaller room with bunk beds for kids in addition to King, Queen and double bedded rooms.

The changes made include:

o 46 newly renovated guestrooms and suites
o 100 percent non-smoking accommodations
o 32-inch flat-screen High-Definition TVs
o 300-thread count linens
o In-room coffee service, mini fridge, and hairdryers

The Grove's prices are:

Standard Queen $99.00
Standard 2-Bedroom $109.00
Suite with Kitchenette $139.00
Suite with Jacuzzi 169.00

To find out more information about The Grove, West Seattle Inn, please check them out at http://grovewestseattle.com or call (206) 937-9920.