'Most Devastating Thing To Happen,' Hotel Owner Says Of Pandemic

WAUWATOSA, WI — Summertime is when Bud Metzger, owner of the Forty Winks Inn, makes enough of a profit to sustain his hotel for the winter months. The pandemic is taking such a heavy toll on the hotel industry that Metzger worries how many good winks of sleep are left.

"This is the most devastating thing that has ever happened to our (hotel) industry," Metzger said.

Metzger started selling hotels in 1970 and traveled all over the United States. He has even owned other hotels, but the Forty Winks Inn, at 11017 W. Bluemound Road, is his only hotel currently. His mother managed and ran it well into her 80s until she became ill.

"I thought about selling the hotel, but then I didn't," Metzger said.

He told Patch his business is down 70 percent due to people not traveling. Another punch in the gut is the cancellations of huge festivals such as Summerfest and the Wisconsin State Fair.

Metzger predicts the pandemic will continue to cause a ripple in the industry that no one has ever witnessed.

"I think there is a tremendous amount of fear for people," Metzger said.

Only thing saving him

The Forty Winks Inn's guests are usually older people due to there being no swimming pool, workout room or a fancy bar.

"Younger people want those amenities. I just have rooms," he said.

The hotel still gets four stars on most review sites, and reviews are mostly positive.

The hotel owner would also get business from local hospitals that do elective surgeries. However, the pandemic changed that as well.

The only thing saving the business is the Milwaukee VA. The agency send veterans to the hotel who are in transition to a new, permanent home. Metzger himself is a disabled Army veteran.

"It is the only thing saving me," Metzger told Patch.

A helping hand

Metzger praises his staff who have gone above and beyond to make sure everything is safe and clean for visitors.

The expenses for extra cleaning and employee hours have increased, he said, which has added to the financial burden.

“I’d like to keep this property going, but I have to pay the utilities and the mortgage and paying employees," Metzger said.

A concerned friend set up a GoFundMe to try to help him out, as he is uncertain what will happen in the fall.

Beyond financial issues, Metzger really misses the customers who come from all walks of life.

"Owning a hotel is a very satisfying business to be in," he said.

Editor's Note: Patch is a GoFundMe promotional partner.