Cordele locals banned from area hotels
Greg Turton, owner of The Best Western hotel on 16th Ave. in Cordele, finally spoke to South Georgia Television News investigative reporter Josh Rhoden after hidden cameras discovered that local residents are not allowed rent a room at his property.
CORDELE, GA- Greg Turton, owner of The Best Western hotel on 16th Ave. in Cordele, finally spoke to South Georgia Television News investigative reporter Josh Rhoden after hidden cameras discovered that local residents are not allowed rent a room at his property.
“We do not rent to locals,” said Greg Turton.
Turton explained his rationale.
“Is normally, are they coming to have a party. We have just seen at a higher percentage of people that were in that situation that we would have a problem with, so that’s why we made the policy, time after time,” said Turton.
Our investigation also discovered that it’s not just The Best Western in Cordele that’s engaging in these practices, but also the Hampton Inn & Suites across the street.
We reached out to The Hampton Inn & Suites in Cordele for comment but have not heard back yet.
South Georgia Television News’ investigation has prompted Cordele city chairman Josh Deriso to take action.
At Tuesday’s city commission meeting, Chairman Deriso attempted to bring the issue up,
but did not have the votes to entertain a discussion on the matter.
“The way that government works, if you have a compelling interest, it’s the legal term that we use a lot, then there are some things that we can compel private business to do or not to do if a discriminatory effort is seen.”
Commissioner Wes Rainey says hotels in Cordele have the right to choose who they want to
serve. Rainey says it’s not the city’s place to get involved in the matter.
“As far as residence, I do believe that’s a policy for a private business. Every business
has their right to refuse who or what they want to.”
