Hotel Indigo opens in Riverhead with a splash

It may seem an unseasonable time to open a hotel on Long Island, given that summer is drawing to a close. But the owners of the 100-room Hotel Indigo off Exit 72 of the Long Island Expressway in Riverhead are hoping there's enough of a season left - and there are always the winter months -- to make a go of it.

And anyway, Robert Salvatico, a partner in Jaral East End Hotel Corp., owners and operators of the hotel, said the establishment is opening this Labor Day weekend with a splash -- mostly around the swimming pool.

Events are planned all weekend by Amak Events of New Hyde Park and Garden City. Friday night, two members of the cast of the ABC show "True Beauty" -- Erika and Amy -- will be on hand. Radio DJ Vic Latino is slated for Saturday. On Sunday retired NBA player Dennis Rodman will host a pool party, and actor Kevin Dillon is to appear Sunday night.

Salvatico said there were delays in the opening of the hotel, formerly a Best Western. According to the hotel's website, the price of a room with two beds is $229 a night.

"We're catching the tail end of the season," he said. "But we'll be having a big party" over Labor Day.

As to whether there are not already enough hotels on the Island, Salvatico said that might be true. But, he added, "We believe in the future of the East End as a destination, a place to do business, and a place to live. We see so many opportunities shifting there. In all our grassroots marketing, we found there is a need for high-end lodging."

Mike Mak, owner of Amak Events, said his company will be offering fall and other parties throughout the year.