Blackberry Resorts crowned Southern royalty

With the rise of day passes, dreams of spending a day lounging by a hotel pool are no longer reserved just for hotel guests anymore — and a smart way for properties to engage with local communities while monetizing oft-underutilized amenities. As for that poolside drink? It may be delivered by an AI-powered robot sooner than you think.

In today's newsletter:
💸 Audrey Gelman spreads her wings (again)
🤫 Spilling the design tea
🌎 Southern comfort is world's best
💻 High-tech hospitality
— Lesley McKenzie, editor

The Wing’s Gelman soars to Six Bells Inn

Audrey Gelman, former CEO of coworking company The Wing and owner of The Six Bells home decor store in Brooklyn, is converting a historic 1850 guest house in Rosendale, New York, into an 11-room boutique hotel called the Six Bells Inn, slated to open in spring 2025. With a $1.8 million investment backed by Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky and Lerer Hippeau Ventures, the hotel will feature country- and folk-inspired design elements, individually decorated rooms and a restaurant overlooking Rondout Creek. Local business owners and residents in the small town are excited about the project, expecting it to draw more visitors and rejuvenate Main Street. (Times Union)

Designers spill hotel glam secrets

Designers from seven small hotels around the world, including Baja California’s Todos Santos Boutique Hotel and Philadelphia’s Yowie Hotel, share their inspirations and tips, ranging from childhood memories to local landscapes, to create spaces with unique vibes. Among the highlights are decor items that help replicate the vibrant aesthetics, like velvet curtains, handmade ceramics and intricately designed side tables. Looking for inspo? Look no further. (Dwell)

Blackberry Resorts crowned Southern royalty

Travel + Leisure's annual World's Best Awards 2024 ranked Blackberry Farm and its sister resort, Blackberry Mountain, as the top two resorts in the South. Both East Tennessee resorts received high scores for their exceptional food, adventurous activities and stunning mountain views. Blackberry Farm, originally a six-room inn, has expanded to a 68-suite property on over 4,000 acres, offering a mix of adventurous and relaxing activities. (The Tennessean)

HITEC showcases 2024 tech innovations

Last week’s HITEC 2024 unveiled a wave of innovation in hospitality tech. LG introduced a new AI-powered service robot designed to assist hotel staff with deliveries, while Duetto's BlockBuster and OpenSpace tools streamlined group bookings and event planning. Hotel Communication Network also debuted AiMe, an advanced AI concierge, revolutionizing guest services with voice-command capabilities in multiple languages. (Hotel Business)

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