Schmidts Spruce Up Area Lodgings

Following new ownership, the Selkirk Motel has undergone extensive updates and renovations. “Making our rooms comfortable for our guests was our priority,” said Lisa Schmidt, who co-owns the motel with her husband, Mark Schmidt.

The Schmidts purchased the motel, located at 369 S. Main St., in April, 2025. A year later, the couple bought the Chewelah Creek Inn, 414 N. Park, in Chewelah, which has also undergone remodeling. “It’s beautiful inside there, too,” said Lisa Schmidt. In the Selkirk Motel’s rooms, Schmidt said the bathrooms have been remodeled and expanded. Rooms have also been repainted and feature brand new mattresses, bedding, and furniture.

Schmidt, who used to own a bakery and deli, said she offers homemade breakfast and baked goods every morning at the motel. “My rooms are so clean you cannot find dirt in them,” she added. Outside, Mark Schmidt, a welder, created a sign and poles for the motel awning. “There’s now a really cute Selkirk sign that leads up to the office,” said Lisa Schmidt. In Chewelah, the Schmidts also offer coffee and fresh baked pastries made by Lisa Schmidt. They have also replaced the flooring, bedding, curtains, and paint.

They added new fridges and new microwaves to the rooms as well. Mark Schmidt said he replaced the patio and steps, and the pair added a picnic table, firepit, and barbecue area. This fall, the two said they are going to continue remodeling the bedrooms. “It’s still a work in progress,” said Lisa Schmidt. Other than the Schmidts, two employees work at Selkirk Motel. The Chewelah Creek Inn also has two managers that live onsite, and there’s a handyman who works at both properties, said Schmidt.

Schmidt said she has worked in the hotel industry for “a while” as a general manager for various hotels before buying the Selkirk Motel. “We just got the opportunity. We came up, and we managed it for a while, and then the owner wanted to sell, so we bought it,” said Schmidt. The most affordable rooms offer a queen size bed, microwave, fridge, television, air conditioning, heating –“your basic room,” said Schmidt.

The largest room offers two beds, a fully furnished kitchen, including pots and pans, a bar area, and a table with seating. “It’s like a little apartment,” said Schmidt.