Travel and Tourism Awards 2025 | 27 Most Atmospheric Pet-Friendly Motel 2025 – Idaho & LUXlife Guest Hospitality Excellence Award 2025 A retro, dog-friendly motor lodge based in the heart of Northern Idaho’s picturesque Bitterroot Mountains, Stardust Motel Wallace is a traditional American motel through and through – complete with all the modern amenities guests desire for a perfect stay. Just steps from the bars, restaurants, and shops in the quaint city center, it should be noted that the Stardust Motel is just a short drive from two independent, local ski resorts, as well as the Silver Country 1000 Mile Trail System. We caught up with owner KimBerly Keyton for more about this quality accommodation. Located just off the I-90, Stardust Motel Wallace is at the heart of a city perfect for outdoor adventure seekers and weary travellers alike. Offering guests the unique opportunity to step back in time – in the best way possible – the Stardust Motel is full of character and history that perfectly reflects the atmosphere of the city around it. Historic Wallace is the only American town to be entirely listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and it this charm that makes the area so desirable for those seeking a slice of Americana on their travels. Since taking ownership of the Stardust Motel in early 2022, KimBerly Keyton has made it her top priority to preserve the distinctive, retro nature of the location – as this is what she fell in love with when she first saw its magical neon sign. As well as keeping its uniquity intact, it is equally important for KimBerly to make sure that the Stardust Motel is a relaxing, funoriented location. This commitment is seen across the property, which boasts little touches to reaffirm this idea of a fun, family and pet friendly stay. In a world of airbrushed perfection, the Stardust Motel strives to be authentic and offer a sense of belonging for every guest it welcomes through its doors (especially dogs, who are treated as well as their humans and also greeted by name). KimBerly would say herself that what she and the team offer is not a ‘perfect’ facility, but rather a place to rest and relax that truly feels like home. All this being said, there is one particular area where the Stardust Motel comes especially close to pursuing perfection – creating a seriously fun guest experience. Following this thread further, the Stardust Motel enjoys enhancing guest experiences as far as possible, seen through its seamless blending of high-quality touches and repurposed items. In turn, this contributes to a sense of retro luxury that cannot be found anywhere else. Be it the boutique toiletries provided – which include handmade guest soaps out of goat milk and large luxurious spa quality lotions and hair products – or the beside charging cubes and complimentary ear plugs in the drawer of every nightstand, these little touches add up to something truly special for guests. Moreover, KimBerly added: “The last and most important superior quality you find when staying at the Stardust Motel is our team. Every staff member is genuine, quirky, and engaging in their own way with our guests. Guests feel this authenticity and they love it.” On the back of this, whenever she is in the process of expanding the team at this vintage motor lodge, KimBerly starts by asking one simple question: “Are they nice?” If the answer is yes, KimBerly knows training them up will be easy and that they will be a perfect fit into the culture of kindness that the Stardust Motel has created. An integral part of this culture is a recognition that the structure they operate atop of is not a triangle, but a bicycle wheel. KimBerly is the hub and the rest of the team are spokes, and they need each other. With this camaraderie to boot, the Stardust Motel is blessed to be in such a great place, with everything having improved since KimBerly and her partners took the helm a little over three years ago. From the property itself to the Stardust Motel Wallace team, the reviews, and the revenue, everything has been on the up. This is not to say that there are not challenges ahead however, with the reliance of tourism that stems from close proximity to the Canadian border potentially being impacted by the current political landscape in the US. In spite of these challenges, the remarkable nature of this Fido-friendly accommodation in Historic Wallace is sure to continue to attract visitors from far and wide. A retro motel unlike any other, it is our pleasure to celebrate Stardust Motel Wallace in this awards programme. Contact: KimBerly Keyton Company: Stardust Motel Wallace Web Address: www.stardustwallace.com
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