FISH CREEK, Wis. — The Fresh Coast Motel, Door County’s premier boutique motel has been nominated for Best New Hotel in the prestigious USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. The nomination recognizes Fresh Coast Motel as one of the Midwest’s most sought after lodging destinations, and among the nation’s most notable new lodging properties.
The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate exceptional attractions and businesses across the country, giving readers trusted, expert-driven recommendations. Nominees are selected by USA TODAY editors in collaboration with a panel of travel and hospitality industry experts—an acknowledgment that places Fresh Coast Motel among the nation’s most notable new lodging properties.
Voting for the Best New Hotel category opens Monday, November 24 at 12:00 p.m. EST and closes Monday, December 22 at 11:59 a.m. EST. Anyone 18 or older may vote once per day, per category. Winners will be announced on Friday, January 2 at 12:00 p.m. EST. Voters can vote for Fresh Coast Motel here: https://10best.usatoday.com/qr/55239/
“We are so honored to be nominated for Best New Hotel,” said Luke and Katie Nelsen and Mitch Ehly and Katie Wanzer, owners of The Refresh Collection. “This nomination is a testament to the incredible guests who have embraced our vision and to our invaluable team who brings that vision to life every day.”
Fresh Coast Motel is a fully renovated boutique motel located in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, offering guests a modern coastal retreat in the heart of Door County. The property was purchased in September 2023 and underwent an intensive eight-month renovation, reopening in May 2024 with a completely reimagined look and feel. The renovation included both the motel itself and the neighboring Deckhouse, the property’s luxury vacation rental, allowing the entire site to be transformed into a cohesive, design-forward hospitality experience.
Every guest space was thoughtfully refreshed—from bright, airy rooms and elevated finishes to modern comforts and intentional details that highlight the motel’s relaxed coastal aesthetic. Outdoors, guests can unwind around the propane fire pit, surrounded by string lights and Adirondack chairs, creating the perfect atmosphere for evenings together after exploring the peninsula.
Fresh Coast Motel continues to evolve with even more enhancements planned for 2026, including newly tiled walk-in showers and the addition of a dry sauna, further enhancing the guest experience and offering year-round relaxation amenities.
Within walking distance of Fish Creek’s waterfront, shops, restaurants, and trails, Fresh Coast Motel delivers a stylish, comfortable, and convenient stay for modern travelers seeking the best of Door County. The property is owned and operated by The Refresh Collection, a Wisconsin-based hospitality group dedicated to reviving beloved local properties and elevating them into memorable, contemporary guest experiences.
The Refresh Collection is a boutique hospitality group dedicated to transforming historic Wisconsin properties into modern, design-forward lodging experiences. With a focus on craftsmanship, comfort, and authentic local connection, the group also operates the Spruce & Shore Motel, and a collection of curated vacation rentals throughout Door County.
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards were created to spotlight the very best in travel, hospitality, food, attractions, and experiences across the United States. Launched in 2013, the program has become a trusted resource for travelers seeking expert-curated recommendations backed by wide public participation.
Each year, USA TODAY editors partner with a panel of industry specialists—including travel writers, hospitality professionals, and destination experts—to nominate standout businesses and destinations across dozens of categories. Once nominees are announced, readers from around the country vote daily to determine the Top 10 winners in each category.
Unlike traditional travel awards that rely solely on editorial opinion, the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards blend expert insight with the power of public voting, making it one of the most engaging and democratic travel awards programs in the country. Winning—or even being nominated—is considered a significant achievement and a mark of excellence within the industry.
