Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 2, 1994                   TAG: 9406030081
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: C-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By RON BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MOTEL OWNER HAS PLANS TO EXPAND INTO BOTETOURT

Jay Patel said he expects to start construction of a 60-unit Holiday Inn Express within the next two months. It is slated to open early next year.

The new motel will be located on eight acres next to the Truckstop of America at Exit 150 of Interstate 81 near Troutville.

Holiday Inn Express motels generally offer lower room rates than standard Holiday Inns in exchange for fewer services. Plans for the new motel do not include a restaurant, for instance.

A county source familiar with the project said Patel has been negotiating with several national restaurant chains. Patel said only that he has two lots adjacent to the proposed motel site and hopes to attract other businesses.

Patel built a Comfort Inn in Salem two years ago and last December bought the Econo Lodge on Orange Avenue in Roanoke.

He is the former owner of Olympia Inn on Williamson, the first motel he bought when he moved here 14 years ago.

The Holiday Inn Express is planned for land he bought in January from Firestone Associates Inc. for $350,000.