Paradise Shores is where families and friends gather
One of the things that Tom and Ann Cebulla did to spruce up Paradise Shores Hotel, is to install a new sign. They’re also working to update the aesthetics of the exterior of the building. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
Despite rumors that it was no longer open or going to be torn down to construct condos, Paradise Shores Hotel is open and doing quite well on the shores of Lake Holcombe. It could be a well-kept secret locally, now that new owners Ann and Tom Cebulla are in charge, but the hotel is steadily booking visitors.
The couple took ownership last year, just as some drama came down the pipe. The attached restaurant/banquet hall run by the previous owner, abruptly closed, leaving people to believe the hotel had also closed.
“It was super fast for everyone,” said Ann. The Cebullas were understandably overwhelmed, since they had only recently acquired the hotel. But, they didn’t let that stop them and have worked since then to bring the hotel back to its glory days.
Tom is originally from Minnesota, and attended college in Eau Claire, but it’s been a little more of a culture clash for Ann, who hails from New Mexico. The duo have been in the real estate business for 30 years, with rental houses and apartments.
“But, it’s the same thing like an apartment, except instead of staying there for three months at a time, they check out every couple of days,” said Ann. “I get to see more people, I get to talk to more people.”
Tom and Ann would stay at Paradise Shores for family reunions in Holcombe, and while there, the two enjoyed the beautiful views.
“That’s one of the reasons we bought it, is because it’s gorgeous here, there’s no way I want it torn down and turned into condos,” said Ann.
Not coming from a restaurant background, they decided not to reopen that part of Paradise Shores, but rent out the banquet hall for Christmas parties, weddings and any other event, where people bring in their own caterer.
The hotel is also run a little differently, as there is no smoking and no check-in after 11 p.m., so as to be respectful to guests and themselves, as well.
“We live here, this is our home,” said Ann. They still serve a continental breakfast and have ice cream for purchase.
“That’s never going to change, because my favorite part is the ice cream,” said Ann.
Much of the maintenance that’s been accomplished is out of sight, where people won’t know or notice it. They’re also very strict about cleaning after a guest leaves, with two fulltime cleaners and a laundry lady.
“It’s looking a lot better than it used to,” said Tom. “It keeps us going, you know.”
More details about the hotel and their services can be found at paradiseshoreshotel.com. As long as people want to come share in the Cebullas’ own private oasis, the couple will greet them and make their stay memorable.
“I don’t want this place to go away,” said Ann. “It’s too nice. I love it here.”
