The Hilltop motel originally opened in the 1940’s with cabins being added in the 1990’s. In September of this year the motel came under new ownership to an energetic couple originally from Wisconsin. Ryan and Amanda Schmidt, who have many years of experience in the hospitality industry were looking for the perfect opportunity to create their dream and found the Hilltop here in International Falls.
This is the first year in a long time that the motel will be open through the winter, so Ryan and Amanda are making sure everything is running properly. They have a lot of great ideas and are excited about this new opportunity. They feel like this is home for them and thank everyone in the community for being so welcoming and helpful. They both work and do all the day-to-day operations themselves, with no additional staff at this point.
International Falls is a destination town, with beautiful scenery, parks, water and an overall experience unlike any other place. These things not only drew the Schmidt’s to the town, but also made them want to share this experience with others. Ryan and Amanda are looking forward to all the opportunities of this business adventure. They plan on renovating the entire property over the next years, starting with painting and décor in the rooms, which they hope to have complete by May 2020. They are also looking at updating fixtures and bedding among other cosmetic details as part of the first phase of updates. Rooms have already been equipped with microwaves and mini fridges for guests.
The Schmidt’s will be changing the name from Hilltop Motel to Hilltop Lodge, preserving the history of the place by continuing to give their customers a home-life atmosphere, but also updating the place to encouraging new customers. In addition to the work they have already done, an outdoor fire pit has been added and this spring they will be adding a grilling station for guests. In the future Ryan and Amanda are planning on adding a dog park on the property.
Ryan, Amanda, and their two dogs Charlie and Henry welcome you to stop by for a visit and stay updated through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!