The Beautiful New Oasis of Amarillo: The Cactus Cove Inn

In case you haven't heard, an old run-down hotel in Amarillo has been given beautiful new life.

Get our free mobile app

The hotel formerly known as 1 Hotel or better known as La Kiva Hotel has been given a new life.

This once-hopping hotel which people looked forward to staying at, went downhill over the years, and it became a place that people did not want to go near.  In fact, one review I came across about the hotel, talked about people on the second floor urinating on people on the first floor.  No one, NO ONE, wants to stay in a place where things as such happen.

In 2022 the hotel was purchased by 26-year-old Matt Marrs for $3 million in the hopes to make this hotel once again the hotel people want to stay at, and he's off to a great start.

Matt's Success Story

Matt grew up in Borger, Texas and after his parents divorced he moved to Amarillo and grew up in the area.  Matt is a graduate of River Road High School, and after graduation, he started his college journey at WTAMU.  After incurring massive student loan debt, Matt left WT because he couldn't afford to continue his education at the university.

One of his mentors reached out to him and discussed Matt returning to WTAMU. However, Matt informed his mentor, that he couldn't afford to attend the university.  Things quickly changed after that lunch meeting and Matt was introduced to the amazing Keith Brown, who was able to help him find scholarships and financial aid so he could continue his WT education.  Matt graduated from WTAMU with not one but two degrees, one in business and one in finance.  After graduation, Matt moved to New York City and worked for Merill Lynch for a year, after a year he returned to Amarillo, where he continued working for Merill Lynch.

However, an opportunity came along, and Matt began his journey into real estate at the age of 20.  He bought a tri-plex and flipped it into an Airbnb, and after he flipped that one, he had the opportunity to buy another property, and another, and so on and so forth.  After those 9 properties, he was able to work with investors and 25 properties turned into 50.

Fast forward to 2022, Matt purchased the former La Kiva Hotel and in September 2022 he took over the hotel and began the transformation to The Cactus Cove Inn and Suites and The Westerner Extended Stay.

They went into remodel mode and have made this place an oasis in Amarillo, the pool makes you want to live there, and the fountain and pond have found new life and have koi swimming in the clear water.  They even build a pickleball court inside the hotel. Plus, you can play a game of cornhole.  The hotel has an on-site masseuse and the hotel offers yoga classes.

The court, yoga, and masseuse aren't just for those staying at the hotel, it is open to the public.  Eventually, the hotel will have a barber shop and many other great amenities.

Now let's talk about the former club that was located on the property.  It was called The Western Horseman and it will once again breathe new life.  The club is currently being remodeled and it should be back open in June.

The hotel is a passion project for the young entrepreneur, and not only is it a passion for him, but it's also a family affair.  With this amazing project, he's able to work with family including his father, sister, and his cousin.

It's time to plan a staycation or share with everyone you know about The Cactus Cove Inn and Suites.