The Santa Rosa icon with a Wellness Dome

This roundup of cinematic hotel backdrops has us both wanting to check in somewhere plush (The Plaza in Home Alone 2, anyone?), or make a run for it (hello, Bates Motel in Psycho). In real life, we're excited about the multi-million dollar reno of a Santa Rosa icon, and the strides being made in inclusive hiring practices in hospitality, especially when it comes to individuals with disabilities. Read on! -Lesley McKenzie, editor

In today's newsletter:
🌲 Nature calls, hotels answer
🏩 Enter the groovy Sandman
😄 Joyful staffing solutions
🔐 Cozy stays, smart security
🎣 Fishtown’s latest catch
Written by Pam Morales Worsham

P.S. Today we're introducing a new section, in which we spotlight a property that's catching our eye. This week, it's a hotel in Charleston that pays homage to its rich Victorian roots, and hosts two competitive dining destinations with an award-winning chef at their helms. We'd love to know which boutique hotels are on your radar, too. Send us an email with a link to the property you'd like us to consider, and let us know why you love it.

Hotels go wild with outdoor adventures

Hotels are increasingly offering immersive outdoor experiences, with trends like mushroom foraging and urban adventures gaining popularity. Boutique properties like those in the Habitas portfolio are leading this movement by integrating nature-focused activities, reflecting a growing traveler interest in combining luxurious stays with hands-on outdoor adventures. Notably, attendance at naturalist programs, such as those at Rhode Island’s Weekapaug Inn, surged by 68% in 2022. (Thrillist)

From roadside to chic: The Sandman celebrates the big 50

The Sandman Hotel in Santa Rosa has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation, transforming it from a classic roadside motel into a retro-chic boutique hotel. The revamped property features updated guest rooms with vintage touches and a state-of-the-art Wellness Dome, designed as a sanctuary of Zen with meditation and yoga sessions. The hotel also boasts a newly updated Pool House & Bar, serving classic cocktails and grab-and-go food items for an idyllic poolside experience. (Sonoma Magazine)

Hotels find joy in inclusive hiring

Hotels facing significant staffing shortages are finding relief by hiring individuals with disabilities, whose enthusiasm and dedication often boost workplace morale. Supported employment programs, which include job coaches and partner agencies, help reduce absenteeism and turnover while easing the management burden for employers. These inclusive hiring practices not only address labor shortages but also infuse the workplace with contagious joy, as employees with disabilities are celebrated for their dedication and positive impact. (Hotel Dive)

Destination of the Week: The Pinch

Location: Charleston, SC
Opened in: November 2023
Owned by: Method Co., the hospitality company behind restaurants such as Hiroki in Philadelphia and The Quoin Hotel and Restaurant in Wilmington.
Number of rooms: Twenty-two luxury rooms and suites, and three residences.
What to expect: The Pinch spans two original Victorian-style buildings and a newly constructed one, with each room reflecting the property's rich history and its distinctive location.
Dining options: Choose from two on-site restaurants helmed by James Beard-winning executive chef Jason Stanhope, including oyster bar [The Quinte](https://thequinte.com/ found directly off the lobby, and Lowland, an upscale Southern tavern and dining destination, located across the alley from The Pinch in the historic Lequeux-Williams home.
What stands out: Townhouse, a tony one-bedroom, one-bathroom top-floor penthouse apartment housed in the same building as Lowland, available for extended stays. All residences include touches such as a full-size kitchen with marble countertops, a washer and dryer, and rain showers.
Starting rate: $595

AI, robots unleash the next frontier of hotel security

The latest advancements in security technology are transforming how hotels balance safety and a welcoming atmosphere. Innovations like AI-driven facial recognition, autonomous security robots with 360-degree video and solar-powered emergency communication devices are enhancing hotel security without compromising guest experience. Additionally, wearable devices such as AT&T Staff Alert and panic buttons are improving staff safety by providing real-time alerts and precise location data, helping to address threats and emergencies more effectively. (Hotel Management)

Hotel Anna & Bel is hooked on history

Philadelphia’s Hotel Anna & Bel merges historical charm with modern luxury in the vibrant Fishtown neighborhood. This 50-room boutique hotel blends original features like grand staircases, exposed brick walls and wooden beams with contemporary design elements. The design team, in collaboration with the Preservation Society of Philadelphia, meticulously restored the building’s historic features while integrating local touches, such as curated art pieces, custom robes and locally sourced minibar selections. (TimeOut)

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