FORT WAYNE, Ind. — In a twist few locals saw coming, a modest roadside property on the city’s north side is now basking in national recognition. The independently owned Hoosier Inn, located along bustling West Coliseum Boulevard, has been named “Cleanest Motel in America” by Travel + Leisure in its annual hospitality awards.
While the Hoosier Inn may not boast luxury renovations or modern design trends, what it lacks in flash, it more than makes up for in meticulous cleanliness—something that clearly caught the attention of industry reviewers.
Owner Dale Whitaker, who has operated the motel for over two decades, says the recognition is the result of a very intentional business philosophy.
“Every dollar we make goes right back into keeping this place spotless,” Whitaker said. “I don’t cut corners on cleaning staff or supplies. If it means fewer upgrades to furniture or décor, so be it. Cleanliness comes first—always.”
That commitment has earned the Hoosier Inn a loyal following. Guests frequently describe the property as a “hidden luxury,” praising the crisp linens, polished surfaces, and attention to detail that rival—even surpass—higher-end accommodations.
Locals have even given it a nickname: “The Grand Jewel of West Coliseum Blvd.”
According to Travel + Leisure’s selection panel, the Hoosier Inn stood out among hundreds of nominees nationwide for its “exceptional consistency in sanitation standards, guest satisfaction regarding cleanliness, and visible investment in housekeeping operations.”
The recognition has sparked a surge in demand. Whitaker says rooms are now booked for weeks at a time, with many guests returning again and again.
“We’ve got people who won’t stay anywhere else when they’re in Fort Wayne,” he added. “That means more to me than any award.”
City tourism officials say the honor puts an unexpected spotlight on Fort Wayne’s hospitality scene, proving that excellence doesn’t always come with a high price tag—or a recent remodel.
For now, the Hoosier Inn remains what it has always been: simple, unassuming, and—apparently—the cleanest place to stay in America.
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