MILFORD, Iowa (KTIV) -
For Andre Frigo, losing his inn was hard to grasp.
"When you put so much work into it, and you see everything go to ashes, it's a little difficult sometimes," said Andre Frigo.
It all started one morning at 3 a.m., back in late September. Andre and his wife, Soon, live at the inn. That night they were asleep when the screams of customers woke them.
"That was scary to us, that we had to wake up," said Andre.
Their business, and home, was on fire. The Frigos think a guest's misplaced cigarette ignited the blaze. When flames were put out, a large chunk of their property was torched. They took the question of rebuilding to a higher power.
"We went on our knees and prayed because we wanted to make sure that God was in the midst of our decision," said Andre Frigo.
In the end, they did. They started work about five months ago. It was pricey, a cost of more than $1.3 million. They're still working out who will pay what with their insurance company, but things are looking better each day.
"Right now, God's made it for us," said Soon Frigo.
If you happen to stay with the Frigos this summer, you'll notice some changes. They've created more walkways, and added a fitness center, plus laundry services.
"We kind of have that wow factor going on," said Sue Laue, a hotel employee.
A factor that the Frigos say they owe entirely to their Creator.
"God was behind us and we're going to see better days," said Andre.
They may have lost a large part of their inn for a few months, but their faith remained steady.
Because of the upgrades, there is one less room than before. Now, there are four luxury suites, including one that's laid out on two floors.
To make doubly sure a fire doesn't happen again, all of the rooms are non-smoking.
