The Wagner Lakeside Motel, on South Dakota’s Highway 46, came under new ownership on February 11th, 2021. Mohan Chaudhari and Rajesh Patel purchased the motel and have been busy with remodeling efforts and general updating in order to make their new business venture a destination site for travelers coming to Charles Mix County.

It was the location of the Wagner Lakeside Motel that initially attracted Chaudhari’s interest in the property. The motel is within a short walking distance to Lake Wagner and Wagner Park. It is also only a short drive from the motel to North Point Recreation Area and Lake Andes. The town’s local restaurants and area businesses being situated nearby adds to the appeal.

Chaudhari owns other property in the Midwest and was excited to purchase the Wagner Lakeside Motel.

“I own four hotels in Nebraska and Kansas. I always wanted to buy in the South Dakota area,” explained Chaudhari. “I was searching an online broker website and I found this property.”

The motel has 77 rooms available for rent. Since taking ownership, the new owners have started to offer continental breakfast to guests. Single and double bed occupancies are available and rooms can be booked online or by calling the motel directly. Chaudhari also bought modems for increased internet speed on-site, which means the Wagner Lakeside Motel now offers full speed Wi-Fi in each of the guestrooms, as well as in the larger meeting room area.

Providing lodging that is “neat and clean” is a priority for Chaudhari, his business partner, and his staff.

Chaudhari commented, “My partner, Rajesh, and his wife stay at the property. They are very friendly people (and) very helpful. Twenty-four hour front desk service (is) available. They keep the property very clean and well maintained. They have six years of experience in the hotel industry.”

Currently, Chaudhari has four employees on staff at the motel. He admits when they purchased the motel it was not in the best of condition and a lot of basic work was necessary. Linens, mattresses, air conditioning units, ice machines, breakfast items, and more have been purchased to update the property and make it appealing to travelers. He has also expanded the continental breakfast area to better accommodate overnight guests who eat there in the mornings. Continued improvements are still happening, as Chaudhari is committed to providing a welcome establishment to patrons and employees.

He stated, “We are very excited for this summer to get more and more people. And we love to host tourists and travelers.”

The support of the Wagner community has been of great importance to Chaudhari. He values the support of local residents and local companies because they can direct more workers and more guests to the motel and in turn it is good business for everyone. Chaudhari is extremely thankful for all of the encouragement he and his partner have received from those in the area.

He remarked, “It is (an) honor to have a business in this town. People are so nice and helpful... people are very supportive of us.”

Photo by Barb Pechous