By Jon Johnson
THATCHER — TownePlace Suites by Marriott Thatcher held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Tuesday, marking the latest addition to Sunridge Hotels’ growing portfolio in the region.
The new extended-stay hotel is located at 2777 W. Highway 70, adjacent to its sister property, SpringHill Suites, both of which are owned and operated by Sunridge Hotels. The property features studio and one-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, complimentary Wi-Fi, and scenic views of Mount Graham.
Current nightly rates start at $293 for a studio suite with one king bed and a sofa bed, or two queen beds, and $303 for a one-bedroom suite with a king bed and a sofa bed. Weekly rates offer significant savings, dropping to $190 per night for the studio king suite and $202 per night for the one-bedroom suite.
Sunridge Hotels was founded by Paul Welker in 1981. The company began by developing small office and apartment properties alongside its first hotel project, the Best Western Pinetop Inn in Pinetop, Arizona. Hospitality has remained the core focus, with the company now involved in 51 hotel projects across various brands, according to Welker.
During the ribbon-cutting event, the EAC Five — a group from the Eastern Arizona College Jazz Band directed by Gary Sorensen — provided live entertainment as guests enjoyed food and beverages. The ensemble featured Kei Sundt on flute, Nick DeRusha on drums, Brandon Bodine on stand-up bass, Brent Ricks on keyboard, and Mr. Norris on saxophone.
Local Roots, Local Investment
Sunridge Hotels CEO Paul Welker addressed the crowd, reflecting on the company’s deep ties to the area.
“Brian and I grew up just down the road down here, and we would walk over to the Pioneer and eat over here,” Welker said. “We have a lot of great memories here. We’re glad to come back into the community.”
Welker noted that the company was approached by the city of Safford to build a hotel there, but instead chose to develop on an existing parcel in Thatcher. He thanked City Manager Heath Brown, the city council, Mayor Jenny Howard — who also provided food for the event — and the entire municipal team for their close partnership.
Community Welcome
TownePlace Suites General Manager Brittany Hernandez expressed gratitude to the Welker family, the corporate team, her staff, and the community.
“I want to thank the Welkers for giving us this opportunity,” Hernandez said. “We are just happy and excited to continue working with the community, being involved in the community as well… This place can’t be run without a staff, and I just want to give a shout-out to all of my staff that’s here today. You guys rocked.”
Thatcher Mayor Jenny Howard praised the property’s “home away from home” feel and highlighted the significance of local investment.
“As I don’t know how many of you went up and took a look at them, but they’re like a home away from home,” Howard said. “I travel a lot… but I walk up there, and I just want to book a night. It’s just beautiful.”
She added that the Welker brothers, who were born and raised in the area, returning to invest in their hometown carries special meaning for the community’s future.
Graham County Supervisor John Howard, who has known the Welker family for decades, also spoke.
“It really warms my heart to see the investment that you put back into our hometown and the confidence you have in our hometown,” he said. “We have so much to offer in this community… I’m just so thrilled that you guys have the confidence in this building and sustaining this investment. And it’s a beautiful building.”
The new TownePlace Suites is now open and accepting reservations.
