The Stagecoach Motor Inn in Dubois – Well Done

After the three previous poor experiences discussed previously, I am pleased to share a very pleasant and positive experience.

My Experience: 

With Yellowstone Park behind me, I had some business to take care of in Dubois, WY where I spent the night.   Dubois is a very nice “western”  town located in Northwest Wyoming with a population of about 1000.  I made reservations in the Stagecoach Motor Inn because they were listed in the AAA guide but I didn’t have very high expectations because I knew it was an old 60s era “motor inn” - the type I’ve stayed in many times and been disappointed.  In addition, I had just come from a disappointing and frustrating experience in the Park.

The first sign that my expectations would be exceeded was when I checked in.  The lobby was old and typical of a 60s era motor inn but it was clean, inviting, orderly and the “desk clerk” was very friendly and accommodating.   Turns out the desk clerk is the owner of the motel and exhibits significant pride in his property.  After a pleasant check in,  I went to my room on the first floor, and my expectations were exceeded once again.  The room was “vintage” but it lacked the threadbare decor and odor that is common in motels of it’s era.    Everything was in good repair and very clean.  So much so that it seemed as if I was back in time actually staying in the room in the 1960’s.  That is except for the plasma TV attached to the wall.  I could even hear a creek, called Horse Creek, running behind the room and smelled fresh cut grass from the lawn between the motel and the creek.  It was very pleasant. 

The next day, after completing my business, I returned to my room to pack and get ready to leave.  As I was unlocking my door, I was greeted by the “maid” cleaning the room next to mine.  The maid is the co-owner and wife of the desk clerk I met the afternoon before when I checked in.  She asked me how I liked my stay and if I spent any time in town.  She was very friendly and also clearly took a lot of pride in her ownership of the motel. 

On their website, they have the following statement about the owners:

Your Hosts

The Stagecoach Motor Inn has been owned and operated by our family since 1977. With our long term dedication to this motel you can expect your rooms to be exceptionally clean and comfortable. We are continually striving to give you, the customer, the best possible stay by updating and remodeling our rooms on an annual basis. We are located in the heart of Downtown Dubois, and you can park and walk to most everything our Western Town has to offer. Whether you're just passin through or coming for a long stay, you can be assured that, The Stagecoach will provide you with all your lodging needs.

I left Dubois with a very positive experience which was nice after the uncomfortable and unsatisfied feeling I had recently experienced  in Yellowstone Park. 

What The Stagecoach Motor Inn did Right:

First:  The owners operate the motel.  They are vested in and have a direct stake in the success of the motel.  They clearly enjoy what they are doing and take a great deal of pride in their property, Dubois and the hospitality business.  They are friendly, genuine and sincere.  When you are these things, it shows. 

Second:  Despite the motel being a 60 year old property, the owners have kept it in exceptionally good repair and clean.  There was no evidence of worn out carpet, furniture, bathroom fixtures and floor, bed, linens, pillows, towels, etc.  Everything is well kept and clean.  Most telling to me, is there was no odor that is common to motels this old. 

Third:  As I was preparing to write this post, I did a search for the motel and was surprised to find they had an updated, current, and easy to navigate site.  They are taking the time to maintain a website which exhibits more evidence of their pride of ownership and sincerity. 

Summary:

I had a very pleasant and positive experience at the Stage Coach Motor Inn in Dubois.  Granted, my expectations were low to begin with and anything might have seemed better after the disappointing experience I had in Yellowstone.  Despite all that, the experience I had was positive and left a good impression with me.    The owners showed pride of ownership and excellent customer service.  Their sincerity was genuine and evident in how they present their property and treat their customers. 

Well done, Stagecoach Motor Inn!  Thank you.