The Rustic Motel of Rolla, Missouri

To Bob + wife

We want to extend our thanks to you and your staff for making us feel at home at Rustic Motel. You made our stay very enjoyable while our house waas being repaired. We felt at home here.

You and your wife and staff were very kind and warm people.

With lots of thanks and warm wishes.

From Delores, Kimberly Jay and Shane Ross.

Thanks again.

October, 2007

I have been stayed at the Rustic Motel for the past two weeks. I have enjoy my stay and I will come back soon, I hope.

Sincerely
Mary R. Grenier
Washington State
August, 2007

Thanks for the nice clean room.

Thanks,

Elizabeth

Hi Bob

Thanks for all your help when I needed it. I was stranded in Rolla, MO. I neede help and a room and you let me stay during the biggest Ice Storm of the Century. You never asked any questions but made sure I had a place to stay.

I'm back home in Canada now but anyone can be sure of your intregity and support in a time of need.

Thank you all.

Bill Brown,Winnipeg, Manitoba

Canada

Dear friends,Bob & Vina:
Thank you both for the wonderful time that we spent in room 111 at the Rustic Motel.We felt as if we were leaving home when we left.We made it to Valencia with no problems,and the much needed rain followed us (It had not rained here in over two months). Well guess I will cut this short and get ready to go to lunch ( today is Rosario's birthday ) so I will treat her to lunch to get her mind off the banana splits from Sonic.Again,thank you both for a wonderful stay at your motel.We miss you both.

Jim & Rosario Moshier
Valencia, SPAIN.

p.s. The Mosiers stayed with us for almost 3 months.

Thank you for a most comfortable stay at your Motel. We travel all the time and stay at many hotels but yours is the best!
Thanks again!

Bill and Lisa Bailey
Dripping Spgs, TX 78620

September 19th 2006

Bob

We enjoyed our stay in your Motel, it was very clean and quiet.

Craig and Chris Foster
Shrewsbury, New Hampshire

Aug 22 2006

Bob and Vina,

Just a little thank you for making our stay here so enjoyable.

Its people like you who make staying in Motels far from home, a little easier.

Take care and keep up the good work.

If we are ever in town again it would be great to stay here again.

Take Care.

Pete and Wendy Hardin
Newark, New York

8/6/06

Thank you so much for taking care of me this summer.

I have really enjoyed my stay here. I won't forget my stay here. Good luck in the future.

Grandma said to say thank you for taking care of me, they appreciate everything you've done for me.

Thank you again!!!

Brianna & Grandma.

(she stayed with us for 2 months and 2weeks)

We have stayed at the Rustic Motel for a couple of years while we worked at the Phelps County Fair.

The rooms are clean, well maintained and the owners are very friendly and helpful.

We feel like we've almost become friends.

Thanks a bunch!

"Hey Jude Airbrush"
8/6/06

A Good Clean place to stay. The people were kind and helpful.

This Motel is'nt part of a chain and it shows.

the people, man and woman, will be remembered by us and if we come thru here again, we will be back.

Dorothy and Mike Margraf.
Room 111
August 4th 2006.

Rolla if Ya Hear Me!

Monday, July 24th, 2006

I woke up the next morning at the Rustic Motel in Rolla, MO, and spoke a bit with a co-owner, a remarkably friendly guy named Bob Desai. Bob is from Zambia, and his wife, Vina, who runs the place with him, is from India. They applied to be US residents in 1984, but didn’t get the ok until 1997. They moved to the United States in 2000. (Bob and Vina received their US citizeneship in 2005). They first flew into Philadelphia, but had a hard time finding a job, so the couple moved to Atlanta. After working in the hotel business for a few years, the couple saved up enough money to purchase their own hotel. And when they saw that a hotel was for sale in Rolla, Missouri, they jumped on it. They’ve run the hotel since 2003. Bob told me that he loved Rolla.

“I love the small town,” he said. “Everyone here is so friendly.”

Though they occasionally hire part time help, for the most part they just take turns at the front desk, so that one or the other of them is working 24 hours. But Bob prefers it that way. That way, he gets to know his customers and cater to their every whim.

“We aren’t right by the interstate (to get to the Rustic Motel, you take exit 186 off of I-44 and drive about three miles down Highway 63), so for us to succeed, we need to do it by making people want to return. I want to treat the guests like they have come into our home. So if you want one extra towel, I’ll bring you five.” The American Dream is alive and well in Rolla, Missouri.

After checking out of my new favorite motel in America, we took the advice of a book called Roadfood and went to a place called A Slice of Pie.

Johnny Goodtimes
Contact Johnny Goodtimes, America's True Man of Leisure.

Welcome to the traffic.com roadtrip weblog, where Johnny Goodtimes, a blogger from Philadelphia, and Lyle Lovinit, a truck driver from California, drive our Traffic.com truck from Philly to Los Angeles, and chronicle their adventures along the way.

Rustic Motel,

We had a very enjoyable time staying here.

I jusy want to thank you for the Clean Room, Clean Pool and your very best attention to us.

We really enjoyed it and again thank you.

We will be back.

God Bless,

Jay Flowers and Kelly Skelley
7/9/06

Bob,

Thank you greatly from a person in need.

Jack
7/7/06

We want to thank you for your friendly service and your rooms are really clean. Also we enjoyed the refrigerator and microwave in the room. Our granddaughter loved the outdoor swimming pool.

John and Sandy Snell
Eyota, Mn
Room 111
July 2nd 2006

Thanks for everything, you guys really made me feel at home!
When I come back I will definitely stay here!

Jennifer Dilley
6/14/06

Thank you so much for all your hospitality!
Everything was magnificent!
We look forward to seeing you again!
Thank you!

Shannon, Karen and Debbie
6/11/06

Complete relaxation!
Thank you for your kindness and hospitality. Nice clean rooms and most helpful hosts.
We will stay again!

Brad and Sandra Dixon, Texas
Room 118.
6/9/06

Thank you for a wonderful time. I would know that "your Swimming Pool rocks" - I enjoyed it so much, I stayed in it for 8 hours.
You rock
Fred Taylor
6/4/06

Dear Bob and Vina,

I just discovered that you now have a "blog" too and I found the May
edition quite interesting because my wife and I stayed at your motel
the same time the Louisiana Hunters were there. One thing I did miss
reading was just how you did in your golf tournament at Panama City,
but
I can assure you Vina did a fine job while you were gone. It was my
second stay at the Rustic, 2 weeks in May of 2005 and for 6 nights in
May of 2006 and I can assure you it has always been a pleasure. I even
brought my wife with me this trip because I got tired of doing my
laundry like I had to in 2005. Just a joke -- if she would hear me, she
would probably shoot me!! Anyway, keep up the good work and I can
assure
you, our paths will cross again in 2007.

Greetings from Bavaria, Germany

John Pace
May 22nd 2006

(You can take the boy out of the Ozarks, but you can't take the Ozarks
out of the boy)

We have enjoyed our stay! The Wi-Fi is especially handy and was no trouble to use.
I hope we will have the opportunity to stay with you again!
Regards,

John and Ellen McAulay
Littlerock, CA 93543

May 22nd 2006

We've stayed at Franchise Motels all over the USA but have never found a room that was as cosy and comfortable as the room 116 we slept in last night at your Motel.

Keep maintaining your high standards.

Tammy Hazelwood,
Jeannette, Pa.

May 9th 2006

Thanks for a great stay. We (5) all had a great stay. We had a good time.
Ya'll were really good to us.

Thanks again.

The Turkey Hunters from Louisiana ( Shane Lacarbo) Room 229
May 6th 2006.

We had a really good time staying here. Everybody is so nice and kind. The beds are great, I slept like a baby. Keep up the good work.
Thanks a lot.

Mandy and Homer Stephens
Salem, MO

May 6th 2006

Thank you for all the snacks and courtesy provided by you and your staff.
I'm looking forward to staying here again.

Thank you

Melvin Coombs,
Des Arc, Missouri
April 28th 2006

To Bob and Vina
We just want to say thank you for everything. We enjoyed staying at your place, and we are thankful in everything you've done for us.
We wish all the luck for you guys.
Live happy and healthy.
God knows how good you are.
Keep up the good work.
God bless you all.

Thing and Jimmy (Phillipines)
c/o Highlines Construction Inc
April 20th 2006

Thank you for the great stay and I will be back soon, You have a wonderful business and good luck with that.

Joe Blanford
Michigan
March 19, 2006

My stay at Rolla made it more enjoyable due to the wonderful place I stayed in, The Rustic Motel made me feel at home. I would highly recommend the place to my friends.

Thanks,

Joe Vasquez
March 17, 2006

Rustic Inn,

I thank you for the good night's sleep. Everything was great.

Chris
Feb. 16, 2006

Dear Desai family

Thank you for your hospitality and all the amenities. Definitely not too “Rustic!”

All the best with your business, and congratulations on your recent citizenship.

Peace,

Janine & Barbara Elliott
San Francisco, Ca.
February 16, 2006

Rustic Motel is a place to lodge because the manager and the wife are very kind, the place is neat. They are always willing to help when needed.

Estner and David
January 26, 2006

Good! Real Good here!!!

Jimmy Barnes
January 27, 2006

Thank you so much for a wonderful time. We enjoyed our stay. This is the Third time we have been here and we will RETURN!

Ken and Luiz,
Missippi, FL
Feb 11, 2006

I travel for a living and have stayed at all kinds of places, but next time I'm in Rolla I'm definitely stayin at the Rustic Motel. They are very accommodative.

Justin
Feb 11, 2006

Bob and Vina

Thank you for the things and Good Memories at Rustic. Hope to see you again someday – God Bless You.

Darwin and Benjamin (Phillipines)
February 8, 2006

Excellent Service. Friendly Thoughtful, Thanks.

Robert Eshbaugh
December 28 th 2005

To Management,

Enjoyed our stay here. Maybe back sometime. Hope you have a “mild” Winter and a Great Christmas AND A happy New Year.

Ken and Family
December 11 th 2005

Bob and Vina,

THANX!!!!!! YOU ARE THE GREATEST!!!!

Lin Ihler and family
January 10 th 2006

I really enjoyed my stay here. It was very comfortable.

Guest in Room 235
March 3rd 2006

I really liked the very nice service that I received. I also thought the room was well kept and the price was less than expected. So thank you very much,

Happy Holidays

Brandon Smith
December 24 th 2005

I want to tell you how much I appreciate the comfort and especially the cleanliness of our room.

Many thanks and a Happy and Blessed New Year to you.

Kitty Hofheine
January 1st 2006

I really appreciate that you helped me by allowing me to stay. I had no place to go and no money. It is really a shame that a total stranger was willing to help me and make sure I was safe when my family DOES'NT! Thank you.

Heather
December 10th 2005.

To Bob and Wife,

Thank you for a very enjoyable stay! Love talking to you – Best wishes to you and your wife!

Conrad, Dorothy & Jeff
Council Bluffs, IA
March 10th 2006

Bob and Vina,

I want to express my gratitude for the excellent service you provide at your motel. I love the fact that you are were willing to work with my night schedule, and you were always concerned about the best room for me to sleep during the day.

The bright smile I was always greeted with is contagious and I looked Forward to it when I checked in.

I appreciate the fact that you kept my belongings when I absent-mindedly forgot them.

I enjoyed my stay with you and I would not hesitate to recommend your facility.

I wish you both the best.

Thank you.

Rachel Sargent (the Nurse)
February 28 th 2006.

Thank you Rustic Motel –

We have been vacationing for almost seven weeks and your Motel is really “T O P S!!!”

Everything is nice and clean and also very comfortable.

Please keep up the good job so we will be able to come and stay in your nice motel again. Its just like a “home away from home.”

Welcome to America and may God continue to bless you.

Ron and Lois Frahm
Manning, Iowa 51455.
March 12 2006

Dear Bob and Vina,

We can never thank you enough for all you did for us while we were in Rolla, You made us feel so welcome, we soon felt like members of your family.

We were so glad that we could share in your experience as you became American Citizens.

Thank you again for being such wonderful hosts and good friends.

We will never forget you, and we hope we'll see you again soon,

“ITS NICE WHEN SPECIAL PEOPLE DO KIND THINGS - YO WERE VERY THOUGHTFUL. THANK YOU.

Robert and Sue Pierce
Bogalusa, Louisiana
September 18 th 2005.

Bob and Vina

I really appreciate how at home you made me feel staying here. You are very kind, respectful people. That's why I love staying at your Motel- because you make everyone feel like they're family.

Hope you guys have a Wonderful Halloween and a happy Thanksgiving.

Vanessa Anne

I cant't express how thankful I am – you guys are a wonderful team to run a Motel. Thank you so much for the wonderful time spent here.

p.s. I love the little cup cake full of candy in the rooms, Yummy!!!!

Vanessa and Ron
Oct 2005.

Thank you for the room which felt like home! We thought we were in our own bedroom. I am starting my birthday in a very happy way!

Liz and Don Hood
August 2005

The Rustic Motel is the best motel we have ever stayed at.You have the best rates, the cleanest rooms; thank you for being so kind to us and our children, and keeping the pool open late for us. We will always stay here when going on our trips. Thank you for being so kind to us. Thank you for putting smiles on my son's face.

The Zyles
James, Rose, Josh, Kayla
Mountain Home, Ark.
July 2005

Rustic Motels-

My six grandchilden and myself really enjoyed ourselves. We plan to return for our next outing.

God bless you. You are doing a fantastic job.

Donna Porter
July 2005

Thank you so much for making our transition and move easier, with your great rooms and wonderful service.

This has been our favorite motel for the last 5 years.

Many thanks,
Shannon Shel
March 2005

To Bob

Thank you very much for a pleasant stay. The rooms were extremely clean and quiet. I will stay here again in my visits to Rolla.

Chris C.
January 2005

Thank you very much for this night in your motel. The room is very comfortable and quiet. Thanks for your sympathy and your kindess. We were pleased to meet you.

Surely we shall stop here if we have the opportunity.

Regards,
Bernadette and Jean-Claure Sanchis
From France
May 2005

Dearest Bob and Vina,

Thank you so much for your hospitality. Your kindness is greatly appreciated and your kindness is greatly appreciated and your support will forever be remembered.

Thank you so much,
Kathy
February 2005

Dear Vina and Bob

Thank you so much for our nice stay here.Your our favorite motel to stay in. We'll call for a room again soon.Our room is always clean and nice.

Gorge and Patti Hoya
February 2005

To Bob and Vina and everyone at Rustic Motel

We enjoyed our stay. Everything was great and the service was remarkable. Whenever we are in the area again we will be sure to visit with you all again. Thanks so much.

Sincerely,
Jason Ward and family.
Memphis, Tenn.
June 2005

Dear Mrs. Desai

It was a pleasure to spend a night at The Rustic Motel, not only because the room was so clean but because you are so friendly and generous. Thank you so much for your willingness to share your dinner. The "corn fritters" are especially tasty (and no, the spices did not upset my stomach! but thanks for the warning anyway).

Sincerely,
Kate from Wisconsin
April 2005

To the staff of Rustic Motel

I just wanted to say thank you. The day my fiance and our children checked in we were very tired and worried because at the time we had nowhere to live. You all came up to us and greeted us and said if we needed anything to let you all know. That brightened our day. We checked in for a week and stayed an extra day if not more.

If we do check out before Saturday we are planning to come back Saturday evening to spend our honeymoon.

We just want you to know that we thank you for a clean room when we checked in. Sorry if it was messy after our stay. 2 kids tend to make a lot of messes. And thank you for your kindness. And we will definitely be back in the future.

We will be here in the summer to stay so we could go swimming.

Thank again
from Mr. and Mrs. White and kids

The Rustic Motel is the best place to stay in Missouri. We have a very good time here every year. Bob and his employees do everything they can to make our weekend stay the best. We will keep coming to the Rustic as long as we keep coming to Missouri.

Thanks Bob for everything you do.

The Patton Family
June 2005

To Bob

The pool is great. You have always been so helpful it is very much appreciated.

Sheila Deacon
June 2005

Just wanted to say thanks for all your hospitality and being so nice. Your hotel is where we will stay.

Kathy V.
June 2005

We were happy with the room. Very clean and very nice owners.

Judy Burley
"Hey Jude"
August 2005

Rustic Motel

Had a great stay friendly people clean rooms.

Scott Germain
August 2005

Thank you so much. We enjoyed our stay. Grand-children sure enjoyed the pool. Thanks for letting them go in when we came in from work.

Thanks again,
Linda Germain and family
August 2005

Dear Manager

I concerned it an honor to be able to stay at a well run motel. The service was outstanding especially the bed. Most motel beds are soft and uncomfortable, however, at the Rustic Motel my bed and room was clean and firm. You have a wonderful running motel and staff.

Sincerely
Nancy Chonoro
P.S. I will be back in the future.
P.S.S. I will suggest to the Powwow community that all Powwow in the future use your motel as the host.
June 2005

Thank you Bob and Vina,

Our stay was great. Everything was just fantastic. We hope to see you soon.

Your friends
Miguel, Elsa, Alex, Gabys
July 2005

We had a very nice stay. Everyone was very nice and accomodating. Everything was clean and we had everything we needed. We will stay here again. We have family in Rolla so we visit often.

Thank you,
Christina Snook
June 2005

Thanks for all the nice service. I (was) very pleased!

God bless
Mike Schultz
July 2005

Thanks very much for your hospitality. Everything was wonderful and you are so kind. We'll be looking forward to visiting you again in the near future.

Woody and Bell
July 2005

Bob,

We thank you very much for your hospitality. We enjoyed our stay at the Rustic Motel very much. Your family and you were very kind and only made our stay more enjoyable.

Much gratitude,
Eric and Sheila Bowers
April, 2004

Thank you!

Best of luck to you and your family. This was a very nice place to stay in.

Jessica Nelson
June, 2004

Thanks for your kind wonderful service. It was very clean, in working order. I especially enjoyed having a fridge and micro. Thanks again for all the service; I needed the rest.

C. Simmons
January, 2005

Thank you for your hospitality. This hotel is one of the best for me in the USA. I am working in a different state but this one is the best of the best!

Thank you,
Victor M. Binson

Thank you again!

Clean, comfortable and the price is right!! And I love the colorful home-like sheets!

If we ever come there again, we'd be happy to stay!

Microwave oven and refrigerator also!

Terrific!
Wendy and David
Bakersfield, Calif.
January, 2005