Meet Anita Kudasik Kudasik | Hotelier and Entrepreneur

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

Hi Anita Kudasik, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
To most people, hospitality means vacations, spas, restaurants and of course hotels and lodging.There are a select few who see a different side to the industry and enjoy providing the services that most others partake in. As someone who has been immersed in this lifestyle since birth, I can definitely distinguish and appreciate the dedication and hard work that goes into operating a successful hotel. One of the greatest differences between a lodging facility and essentially all other businesses is that not only is this a 24/7 industry, but also that you have to have a very wide range of education/experience in order to stay functional. Even in cases like ours, where we are a small roadside motel and advertise the fact that we operate under limited office hours, the fact still stands that if something were to occur in the middle of the night, we are ultimately responsible for the guest, their comfort, and safety. We are not some big corporate chain so that we can afford 3 shifts a day, therefore, as the owner, I am on-call for emergencies whenever there is a guest on-site. In addition, I have learned more skills in the last five years here at the motel than I could have imagined. Although I was well versed in the front desk operations of a hotel, I have been introduced to a whole new side of the job – maintenance. Again, as a smaller, family owned property, many of the fixes and all of the renovations have been completed by us. I have had to deal with every type of situation you can imagine from guest management, laundry / housekeeping, leaky sinks, clogged bathrooms, reprogramming cable boxes….you name it, I’ve probably had to deal with it on some level, This just goes to prove that there are so many unseen factors that go into preparing and maintaining guest rooms that go completely unnoticed until there is a problem, which is something that I don’t think a lot of people realize.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The hospitality industry is something that I have always been around. From the day my parents brought me home from the hospital to the day I left for college, we lived on-site the hotel that they owned and operated. Being raised on-site at the hotel basically helped mold my passion and drive towards this industry. While completing my studies at Metro State University in Denver, I was presented with the opportunity to become a hotelier: the retiring owner of Salida’s (my hometown) American Classic Inn asked my family if we wanted to purchase the property, and that’s how my journey started!

Today, we are FAR from your cookie-cutter corporate chain! We are family owned and operated and pride ourselves on doing things a little differently. We have taken practices from traditional hospitality and blended them with modern trends of current travelers to create a hosting experience that is unlike any other motel!

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

We have re-designed the typical motel room from a sterile and cold environment to a colorful and fun space that will keep you coming back for more! Classic retro feels mixed with a distinctive flair create nostalgic memories! Our motor lodge layout lets guest park directly in front of their rooms!

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

We are always working towards keeping our accommodations up-to-date and innovative. Our exclusive style, attention to detail, and commitment to guest satisfaction will ensure a one-of-a-kind experience!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whether you are looking for an extreme adventure or simply to escape the city’s hustle & bustle, Salida is a great place to unwind! Surrounded by countless 14,000-foot peaks, this mountain town attracts an array of outdoor enthusiasts. Salida offers activities for every type of visitor, ranging from adrenaline junkies to those looking for a relaxing afternoon exploring our Historic downtown + 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.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think that most kids will say that to an extent their parents have had some sort of influence or impact of their lives. To say I would be where today I am without the help of my parents would be a complete lie. Everything they have done throughout my life was intended to help me become the best version of myself and the motel is no exception. From their immigrant work ethic to their genuine ability to be spectacular hosts, they have imprinted on many of my beliefs and actions. So much so, that I followed into their footsteps as hoteliers. My mom is the brains behind our entire village and can accomplish the unthinkable when it comes to making sure the business side of everything she is involved in is taken care of. My dad is the definition of a “Jack of all trades” and the most handy handy-man I have ever met. Whenever and whatever obstacle I have been faced with from the purchase of the motel to today, they have been an essential backbone in ensuring I had the support needed to overcome and become successful.

Website: https://www.americanclassicinn.com

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

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

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehappyhotelier

Image Credits
Sagebrush Souls Photography