A dream fulfilled
Jessica Palmer and Denise Moreth cut a ribbon, officially opening the new lodge at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort. (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
A portrait of Andre J Melief hangs in the main room of the new lodge surrounded by Tulips and bronze statues, reflecting some of his favorite things.
Jessica Palmer wife of the late Andre J Melief opens proccedings at the new lodge (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
The Melief family and staff gathered to honor Andre Melief during the opening ceremonies (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Contractors with Quinns Hot Springs Resorts family and managers ready to welcome the crowd in to see the newly completed lodge (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Denise Moreth had the crowd remembering a friend and not only a boss during her opening speeches to the new lodge (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
A massive bronze statue that reflects the Montana cowboy is the centre piece around the three beautiful leather couches in the main sitting area (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
A uniquely hand made chandelier hangs in the main sitting area of the new lodge reflecting the style of the building (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
The brand new Andre J Melief lodge at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort is now officially open for guests to book a stay in one of the luxurious rooms.
“We are so proud of the job everyone has done to complete the lodge,” said Jessica Palmer, wife of the late Andre J Melief.
The 25-room lodge has all the comforts of a home away from home. From the entry when you walk in, to the selection of rooms, everything has been meticulously hand picked to ensure each guest that stays can embrace all that is Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort.
Around 80 guests all converged to the new lodge for the official ribbon-cutting along with family and staff of the resort.
Though the weather wasn’t ideal, with a steady rain coming down, the crowd shared a few laughs as the official proceedings remembered the man whom the lodge was named after before moving past the cut ribbon to explore the new facility.
“Even though Andre wasn’t here to see the completion he was such a huge part of the design process,” said Palmer.
The statement was echoed by general manager Denise Moreth who also held the completion of the lodge just as preciously to her heart as her boss and close friend Melief.
“There are a lot of small details that we incorporated to ensure Andre’s memory and spirit was alive here in the lodge. We are so happy with how it turned out and hope our guests fall in love with it like we all have,” mentioned Moreth.
“We wanted to utilize a lot of local businesses from the area and Montana,” she continued.
Staying local was an important part of the process for those left to complete the build. From tradesmen to businesses, the crew worked tirelessly to ensure no stone was unturned when looking for professionals or decor.
Each room boasts a leather stamped door number nailed to the wood, giving a Western Montana feel for guests as they enter their own little sanctuary along the river.
“One of the High Country Cowboys also works as a leather-maker; and because a leather-maker we have used in the past was no longer available and we couldn’t go past Marty Kosel. He is a wonderfully talented saddle-maker and he made all the room numbers for the lodge,” said Moreth.
Moreth was also in charge of choosing the decor for each of the rooms. Even the carpet was chosen to ensure that the feel matched the vision of the building.
From the desks, sitting chairs and even couch in the more upscale rooms, the decor brings that home away from home for every guest that will enjoy a night’s stay.
What also makes the lodge stand out is that it is for adult-only stays. This has allowed the resort to really go for the high-end country look with some of their standout pieces. The lodge offers a luxury stay for weddings or for the couple or group of friends that want to try disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
From the lounge area that boasts three leather couches with a magnificent bronze statue that is larger then life all placed in front of a stone fire place; guests may just never want to leave.
Needless to say, the opening of the new lodge is sure to bring many great memories to future guests as well as the staff.
Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort was more then just a dream for Andre J Melief, it was a family, a community and special place in the world that was more than deserving of showcasing the beauty of Northwest Montana.