More than a year ago, an aging motel at Lake of the Ozarks got a second chance.
When owner Alex Glenn purchased the property, his goal wasn't to erase its past. Instead, he wanted to elevate what he knew was a "diamond in the rough."
Today, The Lake House Inn is carving out its place as a boutique-style motor lodge for travelers.
"I have a standard for all of my properties," Glenn said. "My friends and family have to want to stay there."Â
That mindset shaped the transformation. Set on five acres just off Highway 5 in Laurie, the property now blends retro charm with modern comfort, offering a clean, welcoming stay for guests year-round.Â
Unique retro inn at Lake of the Ozarks! The Lake House Inn.
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Need a clean, comfy, and convenient place to stay? Visit The Lake House Inn at 245 S. Main Street in Laurie and reserve a room online today!
The updates go far beyond surface-level improvements. Outdated carpet and worn finishes were replaced, fresh paint brightened each space, and all rooms were converted to non-smoking. The room types were also simplified, making booking more straightforward for guests.
But one of the biggest differences is how guests arrive.
"We're a self-check-in property," Glenn explained. "When a guest shows up, they know their room number and code, so they go straight to their room... which makes coming and going super easy."Â
The simplicity is intentional. By cutting out traditional front desk operations, the motel keeps costs down while maintaining a clean, easy place to stay for an affordable price. Guests can book directly at www.lhimotel.com and use coupon code online15 to save 15%. This discount is for website bookings only.
Behind the scenes, recent upgrades have focused on quality. New commercial laundry equipment makes sure the linens are sterilized and cleaner than ever before.Â
With one year down, the improvements and attention to detail haven't gone unnoticed at The Lake House Inn.Â
"It's certainly been a welcome surprise for a lot of our guests," Glenn said. "We've gotten a lot of people returning that had quit going because the (pre-remodeled) property wasn't to their standards."Â
The motel has also found a niche with groups visiting the area. Located near Ozarks International Speedway, the property is a convenient options for race weekends, with space for trailers and easy access to the track.Â
That flexibility works for anglers and boaters as well. For some visitors, the motel even acts as an extension of a crowded lake house when they need a place to sleep.Â
Outside, the updates continue.Â
"I think our outdoor area turned out fantastic," Glenn said. "You would never know you're right on 5 Hwy. It's a wooded area and we've got about five acres. There's a fire pit, grills, a walking trail, and what we call the 'bark park' for our four-legged guests. It's just really peaceful."
The Lake House Inn has 27 rooms available, with one-night stays offered outside of major holiday weekends. Looking ahead, guests can get a discount for 7 nights between Dec. & March: just $400 for the week! Book now.
As the busy season approaches, the flexibility of The Lake House Inn is already seeing demand.Â
"We're starting to fill out for June and July right now," Glenn said. "April has been extremely busy. It really started off with a bang for the year."Â
The motel's concept is working. As Glenn put it, the property is like blast from the past with modern amenities—WiFi, pet-friendly, ice machine, microwave, fridge, coffee maker, etc. This all functions better for today's traveler.Â
As summer approaches, The Lake House Inn is proving there's still a place for thoughtfully upgraded and affordable motels.
Visit LHImotel.com to book directly and save. Stay up-to-date by following Lake House Inn on Facebook.Â
