The Quality Inn in Fort Dodge will be required to change its name, according to a representative from the company that franchises the hotel.
However, Mick Trivedi, general manager of the Quality Inn, said he was not aware of losing the name and trademark.
"Everything is going according to our plan," said Trivedi. "And there is no way I'll be losing the franchise."
The decision to pull the Quality Inn in Fort Dodge off of its list of hotels was made by Choice Hotels International, the company that franchises Quality Inn, Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion and other hotels.
The Quality Inn, 2001 U.S. Highway 169 S., has been the subject of multiple recent allegations, including the presence of rat droppings, dirty diapers in public areas and a lack of chlorination in the swimming pool and spa.
''They can no longer represent the Choice Hotels International name,'' said David Peikin, spokesman for Choice Hotels International. ''They have been removed from our Web site, and guests can no longer book rooms through us.''
Peikin said the hotel was terminated for "life safety reasons."
''We certainly want our hotels to comply with health regulations making it a safe and comfortable environment for guests,'' he said. ''They have not resolved problems in the past and will no longer be allowed to carry the name and trademark of Quality Inn.''
But that doesn't mean the hotel will have to close.
Brian Hanft, manager for the Environmental Health Services, a contracted inspector for the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, said no one has the authority to close a hotel permanently - not even the state - but it can close it for a period of time.
''We can close it if we find a health hazard, but we have to give them time to fix the problem,'' said Hanft. ''Once they fix the problem they can ask to be reinspected and if they pass they can open again.''
It is the same for the pool and spa area and the hotel's food services, said Hanft.
A once-a-year inspection is required but the operator can continue to get its license if the fee is paid.
''It's a snapshot in time,'' said Hanft. ''We don't go to the hotel at the same time every year. It has to be unexpected. But they could just be having a bad day that day so we have to allow them the chance to make the changes.''
Not even reinspections brought on by complaints can lead to a permanent closure of the establishment, he said.
Trivedi said the next inspection for the hotel and kitchen will be held today and anticipates it going very well.
The pool and spa area inspection will be held on Aug. 27, Trivedi said.
Allegations were initially brought to light Aug. 13 when Webster County Sanitarian Gary Boermer told the Webster County Board of Health that the hotel was not adhering to swimming pool safety regulations. Soon after, other alleged problems surfaced.
Contact Katie Williams (515) 573-2141 or katie@messengernews.net