Imagine visiting a hotel where the founders and owners eat breakfast in the dining room with their patrons every morning.

At the Quality Inn South, 14501 S. Dixie Highway, Greg Levine and his dad, Albert Levine, have a 27-year tradition of sharing coffee and pastry together in the hotel dining room every day. That’s just one way in which this family-owned, family-operated business distinguishes itself from the many impersonal, high-rise hotels being built today.

"We’re working owners, right here on the premises, and actively involved in the day-to-day operations," said Gregory, who, along with his brother, Jay, helped his dad found the motel in 1972.

"Back then there wasn’t much out here," Greg remembered. "Everybody told us we were crazy to build a motel on US1 this far south, but we thought the area had potential. Dadeland Mall had just opened, and we thought this would be a good stopping-over point for people on their way to the Keys and the Everglades.

"They also told us that we’d never get enough guests to fill 50 rooms – but we went ahead and built 100 rooms, and we’ve been busy every since."

Over the years, Quality Inn South has hosted corporate groups, neighborhood guests, families of hospital patients, fishermen, tourists, boating enthusiasts, naturalists, international visitors, and quite a few celebrities.

"It’s always fun to walk by the pool – you never know if you’ll see someone famous," said Greg, whose celebrity guests have included Bob Marley, Johnny Winter, Bobby Riggs, Melissa Manchester, and Larry Holmes, among many others.

"But our main emphasis is on serving our neighbors and our community," he added.

Today the Quality Inn South is the official Host Motel for MetroZoo, and works with Baptist and Deering Hospitals to provide long-term facilities to families of hospitalized children. They host corporate events for major local and national businesses, as well as social events for area residents, including weddings, showers and other special events.

But just because the hotel has been around for nearly 30 years, don’t expect to see a quaint, old-fashioned facility.

"We definitely have an "Old Florida" charm, but with all the modern amenities," said Greg. "Hurricane Andrew nearly wiped us out in ’92, but it also gave us an opportunity to do some major renovations – and we haven’t stopped since. We’re constantly upgrading and improving our facility."

Given a three-diamond rating by AAA for the past 25 years, Quality Inn South was a recent finalist in the Choice Hotels "Inn of the Year" competition. Its amenities include 100 rooms with full cable and color TV, and a soon-to-be-installed state-of-the-art phone system giving each guest computer modem access from their room; a secluded, lushly landscaped patio with large heated pool; private sun deck; meeting and banquet facilities; video game room; state-of-the-art electronic room key system; and restaurant and lounge.

"We’re conveniently located near all the main routes, but away from the crush of traffic. But what really sets us apart is that we’re a family business. That’s given me a wonderful opportunity to not only work at a job I love but also to spend time with my family," said Greg. He and his wife, Andrea, have been married for 29 years and have two children: Michael and Kevin.

In fact, the entire Levine family is involved in the business in one way or another. Greg’s son Michael helps out at the front desk during summer vacations from his studies at Georgetown University. Greg’s brother Jay manages the physical plant. Jay and his wife, Tracy, and their two children, Zack and Jessica, live in the Falls area. Their sister, Randie Rauchman, is also an owner.