Local Boarders Inn and Suites Wins Award

by Krista Norton | October 29, 2020

Boarders Inn and Suites is the recipient of the Guest Experience award for 2019. This is a special award as the local Boarders received a 9.70 out of 10 guest experience rating for 2019, the third highest in the chain, and highest for the Boarders locations, which includes all Cobblestone Inn & Suites, Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, and Boarders Inn & Suites by Cobblestone Hotels locations. This is awarded to the top ten hotels who have met the minimum Guest Experience Survey submittals. 

Cassy Thompson,General Manager, explains they would have received this award at the Managers/Investors Conference in March at Disney World in Florida. Unfortunately, because of Covid-19 it was cancelled. This event is a day of training and time for family fun.  Thompson hopes to attend next year’s conference planned at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. 

Syracuse has had a motel located on the west edge of town since the early 1960’s when Paul Gadash built the property and named it the Holiday Motel. Gadash’s daughter Linda shared her father was dyslexic and dropped out of school when he was in elementary and it was difficult for him to read or write. 

The brick work was done by the late Al Glasscock, brick mason, and according to Linda, Al taught her father that trade. JoDean (Helfrich) Hawkins said her father helped with the plumbing. When it was originally built, there was only one level, but a second was added by Gadash in the late 1960’s. He also built a restaurant, the Capri, and added a swimming pool next to the restaurant, later enclosing it. 

Gadash sold the property to Robert Goss in 1977 who owned it until 1983 when Jerry and Jenny McInturff purchased it. It was then sold to Bob Petris in 1996 who showed his love for the railroad by moving in a rail car and remodeled it for guests. Van Nguyen took ownership in 2000. 

SD Real Estate Holdings, LLC; DBA Boarders Inn and Suites purchased the property in 2015. “With our local businesses and companies who have come in on a regular basis to assist us in the dairy industry, we saw how offering a nice place to stay could be beneficial,” said Natasha Tevelde, Property Manager. 

Tevelde added they also felt if they could get guests to stay locally, they could also get them to financially inject and support the local community and it’s resources such as restaurants, bars, fuel, etc., which helps maintain and enhance the community. 

After purchasing the property it was closed until April 2017 to undergo extensive remodeling. They kept the primary integrity of the existing motel but tore each room apart and made them larger and more uniform. They built a guest laundry as well as a laundry room for motel linens. 

The lobby took on a fresh appearance. Guests are greeted with pictures of Syracuse and Hamilton County from years ago. They can  relax near the electric fireplace while enjoying coffee. 

Thompson said, “I love hearing from guests that used to live in Syracuse share their stories about the historical photos in the lobby.” 

The exterior is stucco and stone veneer siding with new windows and metal roof. The Ramble ‘N’, formerly the Capri, was torn down and replaced by new concrete to accommodate recreational vehicles, semi-trucks, and guests pulling a trailer. 

They installed perimeter fencing on the east and west sides and most recently recently installed an outdoor plug with the proper wattage to plug in a refrigerated truck such as Schwan’s and it can also be used to charge an electric car. 

The motel now features 27 newly renovated and beautifully decorated rooms. Including two large one-bedroom suites which are complete with a large kitchenette, separate living room with a queen-size pull-out couch. It also includes two televisions, a large bathroom, and seating for four at the kitchen table. 

Guests can choose one of the three junior suites with two queen beds and kitchenettes which are accommodating for extended stays. Guests can also enjoy a picnic on the back side of the motel which includes a table and a grill.

While there are many interesting guests and people, some of the challenges for Thompson and employees is keeping every room in working order, “Remember we have multiples of everything!” said Thompson. The weather presents a challenge because all but five rooms have outside access. The housekeepers are in the heat, cold, wind, rain, and snow. 

Thompson recalls when former KSN news anchor, Stephanie Bergmann was one of their guests. Since the Kansas City Chiefs are her favorite team, she was proud to host their mascot, KC Wolf, Dan Meers. Numerous guests come from all over the world that are biking, walking, or running across the United States. “It is interesting to hear their stories about their adventures,” said Thompson. 

Future plans for the Syracuse Boarders Inn is to continue striving for customer satisfaction.