Sleep tourism, detour destinations and a potato-shaped hotel

Ever dream of sleeping in a potato-shaped hotel, a refurbished helicopter or 30 feet underwater? This roundup pulls together the quirkiest stays across every state, clown-themed motel included. On a more serious note, this week's issue takes a look at the hospitality trends emerging for 2025 (looking at hassle-free travel for you, Gen Z), and the new cutting-edge eye-tracking technology designed to reduce decision fatigue. Read on!

What we're clicking on: Google's introduction of Travel Feeds to Search Ads for hotels, allowing all hotel advertisers to display feed data — including hotels, prices, dates, ratings and images — in this ad format. Initial testing showed a 20% increase in click-through rates for fully participating hotels.

What we're tracking: The rise of the four-star hotel.

What we're dreaming of: This sleep program, curated by the Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest, Ill., which includes a bedtime tea service, a curated playlist and a hand-chosen book — serving as an example of how hotels can lure in guests with thoughtful amenities.

What we're all wondering: Whether tourists should return to Asheville. 

What we're watching: The Modern Hotelier podcast's insights from the Independent Lodging Congress in Sausalito (click here for part 2 and part 3)

Destination of the Week: Holbrooke Hotel

Location: Grass Valley, Calif.

Opened in: January 2021

Owned by: Santa Barbara-based Acme Hospitality, which owns food-and-beverage concepts and hotels throughout California, including The National Exchange Hotel in Nevada City and Azure Sky Hotel in Palm Springs.

What to expect: The hotel – first established in 1862 – celebrates the spirit of the rugged-yet-refined frontiersman, and is home to the Golden Gate Saloon, the longest continually running watering hole west of the Mississippi. 

Number of rooms: 28

Dining options: The Golden Gate Restaurant, which features a menu that throws back to Old West taverns and steakhouses (and also sources locally), as well as The Golden Gate Saloon and a downstairs speakeasy, The Iron Door (fun fact: the tunnels behind the bar were used to transport gold to the neighboring bank).

What stands out: Room 18, once known as the Presidential suite for U.S. presidents who have stayed at the Holbrooke over the years. The original beamed ceilings found throughout the property are also an eye-catcher!

Secret to Success: “At Acme Hospitality, we love a good story and boy, if these walls could talk ... The Holbrooke Hotel and the National Exchange Hotel have been home to more than 165 years’ worth of community celebrations, cultural traditions, and important historic events. Preserving their original character and historic integrity while upgrading them to meet current building codes and the expectations of today’s discerning traveler, was critical to their success," says managing partner Sherry Villanueva, the visionary behind Acme Hospitality’s hotels. "It’s easy to talk about significant events that were held at the hotels like the founding of PG&E, and visits by five U.S. presidents or luminaries like Mark Twain. But the stories we treasure the most come from the local community itself."

Starting rate: $159

2025 travel trends take the spotlight

In the latest episode of the “Tell Me More: A Hospitality Data Podcast,” industry experts discussed travel trends for 2025, gleaned from Expedia's Unpack '25 report. Highlights include a shift toward “detour destinations” as travelers seek quieter, unique alternatives to traditional hotspots, and an increasing appeal for high-end, all-inclusive resorts among younger guests craving hassle-free luxury. Additionally, set-jetting to filming locations remains popular, and hotel restaurants are gaining prominence as a key factor in booking decisions, with exclusive dining options drawing in guests. (CoStar)

Savoring the latest additions from Salt Hotels

Salt Hotels is expanding its boutique luxury collection with two new properties in New England, including The Abner in Litchfield, Conn., which is a former courthouse transformed into a stylish hotel. The property features unique dining options like The Courtroom restaurant, designed with repurposed legal furniture, and a rooftop bar called Verdict. Additionally, Salt Hotels has opened The Brant on Nantucket, offering guests a blend of luxury and comfort just a short walk from the ferry terminal, with accommodations ranging from studios to multi-bedroom suites. (The Points Guy)

Eye-tracking tech gets personal with travel recs

IHG is exploring cutting-edge eye-tracking technology to enhance guest personalization through its new “Mind Lobby” initiative, unveiled at SXSW Sydney 2024. The setup tracks participants' eye movements and pupil responses as they view travel destination visuals, allowing the hotel chain to identify subconscious preferences across five distinct travel typologies. With an emphasis on reducing decision fatigue among travelers, IHG aims to use these insights to provide tailored recommendations and improve the overall guest experience while continuing to invest in technology enhancements across its platforms. (Hotel Technology News)

Bienvenidos to Esmé, where design meets heritage

Esmé Miami Beach stands out with its historical charm and contemporary design, having been transformed by designer Jessica Schuster. The boutique, situated near the lively Española Way, reflects its past as an artists' colony with Spanish-Mediterranean architecture and interiors that feature vibrant color palettes and avant-garde details. With 145 uniquely styled guest rooms, including the luxurious Matanza and Capone suites, Esmé pays tribute to its storied history while offering an inviting atmosphere and modern amenities. (Hotels Above Par)

💯 Enjoying Mint Pillow? Share it with a friend.
👋 Have a story idea or want to say hello? Email us at newsletter@mintpillow.co