Gas Boom Equaling Boom for Motel Owners

Pinedale, WY – Sublette County's natural gas boom has kept motels in Pinedale busy. Motels that used to have year-round occupancy rates of around 50% are now enjoying rates of 90% or more. The prices for those rooms are also going up. $65 to $100 a night at the Rivera Lodge cabins, for example. The current motel situation may not be sustainable, though. Soon, many gas workers are likely to be living in "man camps" that are slated to go up around the area. One camp is expected to have 102 beds after the first phase and 106 after the second. Such camps typically offer private rooms with shared bathrooms and other facilities.