A notable landmark of Guerneville, the R3 Hotel, has been listed for sale with a price tag of $4.6 million. Situated in the heart of west Sonoma County, R3, known as a pivotal social hub for the LGBTQ+ community, spans a storied history and is one of the last remaining gay-owned resorts in the area. The 23-room establishment features amenities such as a pool, a stage for entertainment, a restaurant, and a bar. Representatives for the sale hope to pass the resort to buyers who honor its significance and continue its legacy.
According to information from SFGATE, R3 hits the market as investors seek to hand over control to a new generation. Not just a haven for the LGBTQ+ community, R3 has also embedded itself into the fabric of Guerneville's identity. With roots stretching back to a 1930s motor lodge, the hotel has become a cornerstone for celebrations. One of them is Lazy Bear Week, an event that contributes significantly to local charities and has drawn thousands since its inception in 1996. Offering solidity to an event with Lazy Bear Week, the R3's pool and bar are unsurprisingly central to festivities.
The current ownership structure involves 17 investors, and the sale proceeds will support two LGBTQ+ nonprofits, Face to Face and the Desert AIDS Project, as reported by the Bay Area Reporter. Longtime resident and real estate agent Bob Young and Compass' Steven Gerry share listing responsibilities for the commercial property, emphasizing the resort's integral role in the community. In a statement obtained by the commercial sale client brief, Young articulated the unique character the R3 embodies and stressed the goal of finding purchasers aligned with maintaining its legacy.
The cultural significance of the R3 Hotel dates back to the mid-1970s when Peter Pender first transformed the local hospitality landscape. The hotel has since been a symbol of inclusivity and community connection. As detailed in a Press Democrat article, R3 has provided a space for festivities and played an instrumental part in fundraising for the region, amassing over $1 million for local causes. They exude their importance for the community, and the ongoing cultural events like Women's Weekend and Russian River Pride, coupled with the hotel's vibrant history, underscore the owners' desire for the new buyers to preserve the spirit and service the resort is renowned for.
With changing demographics and a decline in gay-owned businesses in the region, potential buyers of R3 face the challenge of sustaining its cultural and economic impact. General Manager Jeff Bridges, managing partner of the LLC, acknowledged the significance of the resort in providing a safe and welcoming environment for visitors. As a "celebrity bartender marathon" or a "celebrity pie throw" these fundraising events, once quirky contributions by the resort, now reflect its deep roots in the community's development, per the Press Democrat.
