Wachters will celebrate opening of new Hilltop

A huge construction project is now complete at The Hilltop in Pullman. An open house will celebrate the occasion on Tuesday, July 2, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The lodging almost doubled, from 59 rooms to 115. The new wing features double queen beds and king size bed rooms with added handicapped rooms. The old wing is remodeled to match the ambiance of the new wing, said sales manager Suzie Jankovich.

Ron and Barb Wachter, who purchased The Hilltop in 1979, made sure that the business reflects the area down to the individual room number panels that depict drawings of the Palouse.

“This is their dream,” Jankovich said. “They take pride in the work they do. They did it for Pullman and the whole region.”

“They give back. They don’t give to get something back in return,” she noted.

“What’s fun with The Hilltop is history,” she said. “Everyone has a memory of the Hilltop.”

She mentioned the lavender-colored chairs that were in the dining room, a number of which are now recovered and sitting in the lobby.

Jankovich said John F. Kennedy stayed in one of the bungalows as he campaigned for president.

The motel was open for WSU’s Mom’s Weekend last spring, but the official opening will be Tuesday.

The rooms are comfortable with big windows, desks, televisions, microwaves, free wireless internet, coffee makers and large bathrooms. Each guest is treated to a complimentary hot breakfast buffet.

The dining room and lounge, with WSU’s crimson and gray colors highlighting the chairs and tables, has a huge fireplace, seats approximately 80 guests and has large windows facing the hills. Outdoor seating will be available soon, Jankovich said.

The Hilltop also has a heated indoor pool and spa, a meeting room that has room for up to 90 people, a catering service and themed jacuzzi suites.

Executive Chef William Wohlfeil, famous for Porky’s BBQ specialties, also features six appetizers, homemade soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches, steaks, trout and chicken.

The restaurant is open 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is closed Sunday. The lounge is open 3 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and open until midnight on Friday and Saturday.