From Opportunity to Full-throttle Success: How Lakeview Motel Tapped Into Ride the Highlands

Sometimes, the biggest opportunities are the ones you don’t fully recognize at first. For Harsha Manani, co-owner of Lakeview Motel & Resort in Haliburton Highlands, Ride the Highlands (RTH) was exactly that, a program she was already part of, but hadn’t yet realized the full potential.

Lakeview Motel’s membership with Ride the Highlands not only brought in new visitors to the accommodation, but also helped transform how the business connects with guests, built loyalty, and created memorable experiences.

A Family Vision in the Highlands

When Harsha Manani and Jagdish Shrimali's family purchased Lakeview Motel & Resort in 2021, they saw more than just a place to stay, they saw an opportunity to create something special. Positioned in the heart of Haliburton Highlands, the property offers a boutique-style resort experience with a wide range of amenities designed to appeal to diverse travellers.

From an outdoor heated pool and private hot tubs to fire pits, patio spaces, and an on-site restaurant serving a rotating menu (including occasional Indian-inspired dishes) the goal has always been to create a welcoming, experience-driven stay.

“The resort is a one-stop shop, people come to stay here and enjoy the space,” said Harsha. “It’s not a place you just stop over, it’s an experience.”

That experience extends beyond the rooms. With space to accommodate up to 48 guests, including family suites and a 24-foot geodesic dome, Lakeview Motel attracts everyone from couples and families to adventure seekers.

Its location only adds to the appeal. Close to Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride, adjacent to snowmobile trails, and just around the corner from the Haliburton Sculpture Forest, a globally recognized outdoor gallery, Lakeview Motel’s location is one of its biggest assets.

Discovering the Power of Ride the Highlands

Motorcyclists had always been part of Lakeview’s guest mix, but it wasn’t until Harsha connected more intentionally with the Ride the Highlands market that things really began to change.

That changed quickly. In 2025, Lakeview became an official Ride the Highlands patch distribution location, a decision that opened the door to a whole new level of visibility and engagement.

“That was a huge success for us in many ways,” she said.

What started as simple interactions, guests stopping by to collect patches, quickly became something more.

People would come by and wanting a patch,” Harsha said. “But then they would come in and look at the property and we would start talking.”

As conversations turned into bookings, some guests reserved stays on the spot, while others planned return visits for the following season. Many became repeat visitors.

“I already have repeat customers from motorcycle groups,” said Harsha. “I have bookings for people coming to pick up the patches who booked for next year.”

By taking the time to connect, Harsha transformed a transactional moment into a relationship-building opportunity, and one that continues to pay off.

Rethinking the Motorcycle Market

For some operators, welcoming motorcycle groups can come with hesitation. Harsha admits she’s heard the assumptions, but her experience tells a different story.

“They are the nicest people,” Harsha said. “Very quiet, and you actually have really good conversations with them. They have great stories to tell, and you learn a lot from them.”

That perspective shift has been key to Lakeview’s success with the market. Instead of simply accommodating motorcyclists, Harsha and her team have leaned into understanding what they need, and then delivering on it.

From practical amenities to thoughtful touches, Lakeview has adapted its offering to better serve motorcycle travellers. Providing things like kickstands, space to park directly outside rooms, and areas to clean and maintain bikes may seem small, but they can make a big difference.
For Harsha, it’s about anticipating needs and creating comfort after a long day on the road.

That’s where Lakeview stands out. Guests can cool off in the pool, enjoy poolside service, gather around a fire, or share a meal and a drink at the restaurant. For some groups, that includes customized offerings, like buffet-style meals or simply making sure there’s a cold beer waiting.

“They love the fact that they can stay after a long ride, cool off in the pool and enjoy their evening,” said Harsha. “The next day they have breakfast in the morning and off they go.”

A One-Stop Destination for Riders

Another key advantage is Lakeview Motel’s location. With direct access to major snowmobile and motorcycle routes, riders can use Lakeview as a basecamp, heading out on scenic loops during the day and returning to a comfortable, social environment in the evening.

The combination of accessibility, amenities, and atmosphere has made Lakeview especially appealing for group travel. 

Advice for Other Operators

For businesses considering joining Ride the Highlands, Harsha doesn’t hesitate: “I would highly recommend joining.”

But beyond signing up, she emphasizes that success comes from how you engage with the opportunity. “Focus on the hospitality, focus on the connection, focus on the experience.”

Harsha’s success with Ride the Highlands wasn’t the result of just being listed, it’s about creating an environment where guests feel welcomed, understood, and valued.

“My approach is to connect with riders, have a great conversation, provide them with the little things,” explained Harsha.