Meet ANITA KUDASIK | Hotelier and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with ANITA KUDASIK and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ANITA, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Although there have been hundreds of crucial factors contributing to the successful rebranding / renovation of our motor lodge, I feel that the most profound element has been our ability to remain flexible. Over the past three years, our willingness to adjust original ideas for more functional approaches to problems has truly been phenomenal. From the moment I was presented the opportunity to purchase the dilapidated motel, I knew it would be an unconventional experience. My first year as a business owner was spent commuting 6 hours to and from Denver to finish my senior year at MSU. Renovating 20+ rooms that were originally built in the 1950’s – 1960’s was a whirlpool of compromises. Followed by the COVID-19 lockdown where Salida Public Health closed motels for leisure purposes and regulated incoming travelers. Flexibility has proven to be an essential part of not only our daily operations but also a fundamental aspect of how we deal with major projects. And let’s be honest, in a business as unconventional and evolving as a hotelier, being unadaptable isn’t really an option.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Far from your cookie-cutter corporate chain, the AMERICAN CLASSIC INN is family owned and operated. With experience and education in hospitality, we guarantee that our facility operates at the highest quality standards in the industry. Yet, here at ACI, we do things a little differently.

We are always working towards keeping our accommodations up-to-date and innovative.

From our drive-thru check-in, to our morning grab’ n ’go and snack room – we are reshaping the guest experience.

We have re-designed the typical motel room from a stuffy and cold environment to an area that will keep you coming back for more!

Classic retro feels mixed with a distinctive flair create nostalgic memories!

Our exclusive style, attention to detail, and commitment to guest satisfaction will ensure a one-of-a-kind experience!

Friendly service, unique amenities, and an ideal location in the heart of the Colorado Rockies make AMERICAN CLASSIC INN a must see for every American road trip!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whether you are looking for an extreme adventure or to simply escape the city’s bustle, Salida is a great place to unwind! Surrounded by countless 14,000-foot peaks, this mountain town has a surprisingly mild climate, which is no wonder why it attracts an array of outdoor enthusiasts. Salida offers activities for every type of visitor, ranging from adrenaline junkies to those wanting to stroll through Colorado’s first Creative Art District.

Here are my favorite ways to enjoy Salida and my recommendations to make the most of a visit:

SOAKING –
With 2 different hot springs to choose from, you can never go wrong relaxing in our authentic pools. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort’s is known for it’s creek access and Historic 1867 Bath House. But they also offer a spa and private soaks. Although Sand Dunes Recreation is family-friendly, they are famous for their adults only area: The Greenhouse. Definitely worth a visit!

RAFTING –
If you are visiting during the summer, you have to experience the river! Independent Whitewater is my favorite rafting company as they have exclusive and private river access to the Arkansas.

EAT –
Salida has so much good food that you will definitely need more than one day to experience my favorites:
-Amicas (pizza)
-Boathouse
-Brown Dog Coffee House
-Currents (steak and seafood)
-Las Camelinas (Mexican)
-Tony’s ( Mexican breakfast)

SHOPPING –
Head downtown to explore some of the best local boutiques and shops! Yolo Clothing is my go-to for new clothes, jewelry, and gifts. Opal Boutique often offers new and fresh fashion trends. Vital Living is my favorite apothecary shop that sells handcrafted products, teas, and holistic medicines.

EDUCATIONAL –
Salida has quite the history ranging from Wild West tails to ghosts and murders. There is no better way to learn about our unique town than by booking a tour with Salida Walking Tours!

SNOWMOBILING –
This is my favorite pastime! Almost all winter you will find me in the backcountry of the Rockies. As a visitor, you can also get a taste of the thrill by scheduling a tour with All Season Adventures or Monarch Snowmobile Tours!

SKIING –
Monarch Ski Area is one of the only ski areas in Colorado that doesn’t produce snow – appreciate natural terrain! Riders get to spend their days enjoying the slopes instead of waiting in lines.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
For a long time I have believed in the saying “It’s not necessarily about what you know, it’s about who you know.”

And at first this might seem like an unreasonable piece of advice. Nonetheless, through my experience, growing our network of colleagues is hands down one of the first steps to success.

“It takes a village” to build up something great, and mine is made up of three fundamental influencers.

To start, Metro State University of Denver deserves a round of applause for their outstanding hospitality programs, professors, and dedication to student success. Not a day goes by where I don’t apply my education to the growth and development of my business. They truly helped me master my trade.

Being born and raised in a place as special as Salida, I can honestly say that this town shaped a huge part of my personality and success. Our tourism based industry is both competitive and compassionate. Some of my greatest mentors are other hoteliers who I often rely on for guidance and referrals. Many of my classmates, colleagues, and good friends are engaged in the community and are always willing to lend a helping hand. This tight-nit mentality comes from a common love and empathy for members of our community and is widely responsible for helping me achieve my goals.

Most importantly, I need to recognize my parents. Not everyone gets to grow up at a 24/7 business and it’s not until now that I realize how much I’ve under-appreciated that opportunity. Being raised on-site the hotel my parents operated basically helped mold my passion and drive toward hospitality. Their kindness, immigrant work ethic, intelligence and overall consideration of others have been lifelong characteristics that I admire them for. They are those types of individuals that we come across few and far between in our lifetime. As I follow into their footsteps, I acknowledge that I have some big shoes to fill and can only hope to become half as remarkable as they are.

My boyfriend, Ralph Fish, also needs to be acknowledged for being an exceptional business partner. It takes 4 hands to operate our business and his help managing the responsibilities of the motel is vital to our achievements.

Like I said: it takes a village and without the help of MY village, I would not be where I am today.

Website: https://www.americanclassicinn.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanclassicinn/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americanclassicinn

Other: Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/355994877 Expedia: https://www.expedia.com/Buena-Vista-Hotels-American-Classic-Inn.h9472414.Hotel-Information?chkin=2021-11-02&chkout=2021-11-03&x_pwa=1&rfrr=HSR&pwa_ts=1634688286744&referrerUrl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXhwZWRpYS5jb20vSG90ZWwtU2VhcmNo&useRewards=false&rm1=a2&regionId=9893&destination=Salida%2C+Colorado%2C+United+States+of+America&destType=MARKET&sort=RECOMMENDED&top_dp=110&top_cur=USD&semdtl=&userIntent=&selectedRoomType=200834350&selectedRatePlan=204210688 Booking.com: https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/american-classic-inn.html?aid=304142;label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaIoCiAEBmAExuAEYyAEM2AEB6AEB-AECiAIBqAIEuALLur2LBsACAdICJGU4ODJiMzE5LTNkOTgtNDkxNy04MzYyLTg1YzYzZWJmMWFkM9gCBeACAQ;sid=1160b15dc3035a0fbe5e36dee23ef981;all_sr_blocks=42039101_140469208_0_0_0;checkin=2021-10-20;checkout=2021-10-21;dest_id=20018221;dest_type=city;dist=0;group_adults=2;group_children=0;hapos=0;highlighted_blocks=42039101_140469208_0_0_0;hpos=0;matching_block_id=42039101_140469208_0_0_0;no_rooms=1;req_adults=2;req_children=0;room1=A%2CA;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=popularity;sr_pri_blocks=42039101_140469208_0_0_0__10000;srepoch=1634688345;srpvid=cb7700ab7b40010b;type=total;ucfs=1&

Image Credits
Sagebrush Souls Photography Emily Elizabeth Photography Amanda Schwengel