Eyes on change at Sage and Sand

Sitting alongside South First Street in Saratoga, the Sage and Sand Motel has been a fixture for 60 years. Another constant, however, is change. In August 2017, the motel saw a change in management as Mathew and Catherine Eye moved to the Valley from Craig, Colo.

With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, the couple hope to keep the motel modest while still being able to create a "wow effect."

Catherine Eye first became involved in hospitality after her father, a command sergeant major, retired from the U.S. Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. and purchased a restaurant in 1989. She began working with her father shortly after the purchase of the business and has made it her career ever since. In 2012, Catherine and her husband, Mathew, relocated to Colorado where they opened up the Elk Mountain Restaurant in 2016.

"We did the work ourselves by staying within our limits and were able to create a relaxing ambiance and a comforting persona scoring a 5 star (rating) on Tripadvisor and Facebook," said Eye.

It was while looking for another building to lease and relocate their restaurant that Eye found a post that mentioned the Sage and Sand Motel was looking for new management.

"Mathew and I came to Saratoga and fell in love with the town right away. The people, the relaxing feel, the fishing, hot springs, beauty and-did I mention the people?" Eye said.

The couple moved up to the Valley with two of their sons, Jeremiah and Gabe Debar, and began working on the motel right away. Mathew Eye has been painting rooms and restoring the porcelain tubs over the last seven months. According to Catherine Eye, the couple wants to fit in with Saratoga and offer "that same friendly, comforting, relaxing persona and feel that the town offers."

"Saratoga seemed, to me, to be a place where you can come as a 'retreat' so to speak," said Eye, "I love that concept and I love the people we meet and the paths we cross by being a part of the Sage and Sand Motel."

Since having taken over management of the motel in August, reviews on Tripadvisor have been favorable with most rating the motel three to four stars.

"The new management is trying very hard to update this old hotel," wrote Tripadvisor member Joy T. "Catherine is very friendly and helpful both at booking and at the front desk."

"The motel has a new management team that believe they can improve the image of the old motel," wrote Tripadvisor member Al_Beaux, "New paint, amenities and a desire to provide good customer service were evident during our stay."

According to Eye, there is nothing more gratifying for her than to generate happiness and comfort.

"I love to see people happy," said Eye.