Our journey to the United States began in 2014 when my family and I, as first-generation immigrants, arrived with hopes, dreams, and the promise of a better life. I had been a physician in my home country, Pakistan, for 25 years. I was no stranger to hospitals and had a deep understanding of the medical field, but when we landed in Orlando, Florida, I soon discovered that my years of experience and education meant little here. Despite having credentials from Pakistan, I learned that my degree wasn’t recognized, and even to work as a nurse, I would have to start all over again.

I had come to America for one reason: to provide my children with access to better educational opportunities. My family—my wife, two sons, and I—arrived with the hope of building a new future. My elder son was already in college, and my younger son was in eighth grade. We wanted to settle in a place with a good school system and, ideally, a college nearby.

One day, I reached out to a friend of mine, a physician who had successfully built a life in the U.S. He had also ventured into business and had moved to Tri-Cities, Washington. When a motel in Pendleton went up for sale, owned by his Indian friends, he decided to purchase it. He offered me the opportunity to run the business with my family. So, my family and I made the decision to move to Pendleton and begin a new chapter of our lives. I worked with my friend for nearly three years, learning the ropes of the business and immersing myself in a completely new world.

During this time, I enrolled in Small Business Administration classes at a local community college. It was there that I met my mentor, Terry, who became a guiding force in my life. Terry taught me everything I needed to know about operating and buying a business. With her mentorship, I gained the confidence and knowledge to take the plunge. In 2017, I bought the motel and, for the first time in my life, became a business owner.

Running the business alongside my family has been the most rewarding experience of my life. As a physician, I had spent much of my time away from my family. But now, we are together every day, working as a team and building something meaningful. It’s not just a business; it’s a bond that strengthens our family.

I love what I do. I find joy in meeting people from all walks of life, from every corner of America. I enjoy the exchanges—sometimes just a friendly chat, sometimes deep conversations where people share their stories, their wisdom, and their experiences. Life in this new country is challenging, but it's also beautiful. Every day, I feel grateful. Grateful to have this opportunity. Grateful to God for leading us here, for guiding us through the hardships, and for helping us create something better.

I’ve learned that sometimes the path we expect to walk is not the one we end up on. But if we remain determined and open to new possibilities, we find our way. And for me and my family, that way has been filled with hope, love, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Checking in at our cozy little office is easy you will be greeted by a professionally trained staff member, eager to give you one-on-one personalized guest service–the kind found in four-and five-diamond resorts! We try our best to provide affordable places to stay in Pendleton, Oregon.

Our office hours are 8AM until 10 PM. But don't worry, if you come in before or after hours, we provide a phone number for you to reach us.