The Hill Top Motel has new owner, as of July 2.
Steve Martin, Minneapolis is the new owner of the Hill Top Motel, located on U.S. Highway 53, also known as Second Street. Rick and Barb Martin, the owner’s parents, will manage the business.
Martin purchased the Hill Top from Richard and Glenda Weinhold, who owned the business for 12 years.
The new owner does not plan on making any major changes to the motel because of positive feedback from new and returning customers.
“It’s just a really beautiful place and very well kept.” said Barb Martin.
“The previous owners kept the motel very well.” she continued. “That really matters to us and our customers, and it makes our jobs easier.”
Rick and Barb Martin plan to manage the business and living in International Falls in the summer and return to their home in Missouri during the winter, said Martin.
“We’ll do that for a couple of years at least.” she said “Or until we get used to the cold.”
Steve Martin saw that the Hill Top was for sale while he was living in Minneapolis. He decided to purchase the motel and go into business with his parents because of what he calls an incredible atmosphere at the Hill Top, and because of the incredible opportunity, said Barb Martin.
The new owner and managers will strive to make the Hill Top famous for its hospitality, cleanliness, and quaint woodland style.
Steve Martin plans to operate the business from his new home in Northfield, Minn., so he can be closer to his wife, Kendra. The two are familiar with the area because of visits to Kendra Martin’s mother’s cabin on Lake Kabetogama.
“We just love how there is a theme unique to every room. One will be deer, the other moose, and they all are centered on the woodland area.” said Barb Martin.
Rick and Barb Martin said they hope that managing the Hill Top Motel will provide Rick with the finances to retire, one of the other reasons their son decided to go into business with his parents. Rick Martin has experience with this kind of business after working in the Sunset Hotel and Supper Club in Lodi, Wisconsin, which was owned by his parents.
The Martins have worked together in the past, they said.
