Regents Suggest UCLA Buy a Hotel Instead of Building

UCLA wants to build a seven-story hotel and conference center on the site of a parking structure near Pauley Pavilion, but local hoteliers are worried it will undercut their business with cheaper rates. Now, the Los Angeles Business Journal reports (sub. req.) that the University of California Board of Regents is also not a fan of the plan to build a new campus hotel and conference center--they're dubious over UCLA's claims that the property will operate at 70% occupancy and be self-sustaining in three years. Instead, the regents suggested UCLA purchase and reposition a nearby hotel. As far as their budget (around $150 million) and the options in Westwood Village, their choices appear limited. The Westwood W is likely way too expensive to buy, but smaller properties like the Royal Palace, the Hilgard House, and the Claremont Hotel probably don't have enough room to add substantial conference space. There's also a planned hotel tower at Wilshire and Gayley and a stalled, half-built extended stay hotel on Lindbrook. Meanwhile, a UCLA spokesperson says they will look at some of the questions and issues the regents brought up.
· UCLA Expansion Fails to Make Grade With Regents [LABJ]
· Westwood Hoteliers Fighting UCLA's Campus Hotel Plans [Curbed LA]