‘No Locals’ policy disputed by Prince George hotel that turfed mom, kids

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – A hotel in Prince George, B.C., says its employee was “misinformed” when he told a Prince George mother she was not welcome at the establishment.

Esther’s Inn says a new manager at the front desk was wrong to refuse a room to 39-year-old Aimee Bespoyasny and her two teenaged children after learning they are Prince George residents.

According to a statement posted on the Esther’s Inn Facebook page, the hotel vehemently denies having a “no locals” policy and adds the tone and context of the manager’s words don’t reflect the company’s practice and beliefs.

Bespoyasny posted a letter on social media sites saying she planned to stay at the inn to celebrate her birthday and spend some special time with her children, but was rudely turned away.

She says before the manager ordered her to leave, he told her Esther’s has a policy of banning locals because Prince George residents just drink beer and party in the rooms, forcing hotel staff to call police.

Jesse Park, general manager of Esther’s Inn, says there have been problems with people using hotel rooms for drinking parties in the past, but he says management is investigating Bespoyasny’s complaint and has apologized to her privately. (CKPG)