Black-owned hotels bring NOLA's history to life

Today we're celebrating historic Black-owned hotels in New Orleans and gleaning inspiration from their history and aesthetic. It's time to check in for Mint Pillow.

In today's newsletter
🏨 Black hoteliers shine in Big Easy
🧐 VIP concierge shares experiences
🏩 An udderly chic Wisconsin hotel
🛅 AI tech secures bags, enables tipping

Honoring Juneteenth

Black-owned hotels bring NOLA's history to life

Several Black-owned independent hotels in New Orleans celebrate the history of the Big Easy. Among them are the charming Dutchess Bed and Breakfast, the historic Dew Drop Inn and the elegant Hubbard Mansion Bed and Breakfast, each with distinct design features and a deep connection to the city's heritage. These hotels all boast Southern charm, historical significance and modern luxury, accommodating diverse traveler preferences for a memorable stay in New Orleans. (Travel Noire)

Experienced D.C. concierge shares guest service tips 

Jeffrey Morgan, chief concierge at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown, has held the position for nearly 20 years. Morgan's role involves extensive research on VIP guests, anticipating guest needs, and managing unique requests, from securing restaurant reservations to shipping a car to Saudi Arabia. Morgan is a member of the prestigious Les Clefs d'Or society and advises aspiring concierges to master the "swan effect" and be genuinely helpful. (Axios)

Former Wisc. dairy factory churns out boutique stays 

Nestled near Paoli, Wisc., the Inn at Seven Acre offers a charming stay in a historic dairy factory turned boutique inn. Listed on the National Historic Register, the eight-room property blends industrial history with modern design, featuring custom furnishings, local artwork and luxurious amenities such as Boll & Branch linens. Guests can enjoy scenic views of the Sugar River from rooms like the Creamery Room with its iconic circular window, or relax in the spacious Thalmann Suite, complete with kitchenette and luxe soaking tub. (Hotels Above Par)

Ocean City's Atlantis Inn reborn as Coastal Chateau

The historic Atlantis Inn in Ocean City, N.J., has been transformed into Coastal Chateau following its purchase for $3.45 million. Owners Alyse and Alexis Scaffidi of BiteSized Designs led the "French-modern-meets-coastal-elegance" renovation of the property, featuring 12 rooms and three pet-friendly ground-floor villas. The sisters self-funded the project, which opened just in time for the summer season. (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

HotelsHero offers storage, tip solutions

LuggageHero's latest platform, HotelsHero, simplifies luggage storage at hotels by allowing guests to securely store their belongings using AI-powered technology. Additionally, guests can tip bell staff digitally and add insurance coverage, while hotels can choose to offer free storage or charge a handling fee. The system includes features for easy luggage identification, secure storage access via QR codes and analytics to optimize service during peak times. (Hotel Management)

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