Westminster Inn, an independent motel in Lawrence, is preparing to join an international chain of hotel properties.

The Westminster, 2525 W. Sixth St., is set to operate under a different brand: Rodeway Inn, a franchise of Choice Hotels International.

The formal change is expected to come sometime during the next few weeks, once the hotel’s new main sign arrives and can be installed. Choice Hotels describes Rodeway Inn as an economy brand focused on meeting needs of the senior travel market.

Sam Bhakta and his company, Heartland Hospitality Inc., bought the Westminster Inn property last year, and will continue to own the motel.

The 54-room property, which has six employees, is in the first phase of a three-phase renovation. It opened in 1980.

Choice Hotels International franchises more than 5,600 hotels, representing more than 455,000 rooms, in the United States and 38 countries and territories. Brands include Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn.