Middletown Fairfield Hotel Honored by Marriott Chairman David Marriott

Retreat Hotels & Resorts (“Retreat”) announced that the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Middletown, DE, owned by a partnership between Retreat, the Axia Hotel Group, and LNWA, received the “Best Project” award from Marriott International. Retreat received the award from the Chairman of Marriott, David S. Marriott, and other senior leaders at the Marriott hotel owners’ conference in Orlando, FL. The Best Project Award recognizes the top project completed by each Marriott Select Brand, based on design, cooperation, participation, and process.

From Left to Right: Leeny Oberg, Marriott Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Development; Liam Brown, Marriott Group President, US & Canada; JJ Singh, Retreat Hotels & Resorts President; Stephen Schindel, Retreat Hotels & Resorts Director of Development & Operations; David S. Marriott, Marriott Chairman of the Board; Ty Breland, Marriott Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer; Karen Finberg, Marriott Chief Franchise Officer

The Fairfield brand is Marriott’s second-largest brand, and warmly welcomes guests with friendly service and comfortable spaces—offering them the flexibility to work, rest and maintain their balance while on the road. Signature amenities include complimentary hot breakfast and coffee and lobby market available 24/7. With a heritage from the Marriott family farm, Fairfield delivers the quality and reliability you expect – backed by the Fairfield Guaranty.

  Opened in 2022, the 90-key Fairfield in Middletown includes all signature amenities, while also featuring an indoor pool, large fitness center, and unique outdoor patio that includes seating for dining and a firepit, surrounded by attractive landscaping to create a serene and inviting experience. The hotel is the only Marriott hotel within a 15-mile radius and sits in close proximity to the 301 bypass and Route 1. Guests are able to enjoy numerous amenities surrounding the hotel, with Texas Roadhouse, Metro Diner, Red Robin, Walmart, and the Westown Movie Theatre a short walk away.

  “We are honored to receive this award from Marriott International,” said JJ Singh, president of Retreat Hotels & Resorts. “The award is a testament to the hard work of our team, and an embodiment one of our company’s core values: Excellence in Execution.”

  “Marriott awards the ‘Best Project’ award to truly deserving projects that meet the high standard set by Marriott International. I congratulate the teams at Retreat and Axia on this achievement. Having happily stayed at this hotel multiple times, I can attest that the Fairfield in Middletown is a wonderful property,” said Cameron Read, Marriott Chief Financial Officer, U.S. & Canada.

A 3-D Rendering of our Dual-Brand Marriott in Perry, GA

Our friends at Chamberlain Architect Services, and Mohamed El Sayed in particular, generated this amazing 3-D rendering of our forthcoming dual-brand hotel in Perry, GA. Excited to see it come to life!

Retreat Announces the Construction of a new TownePlace Suites / Fairfield by Marriott Hotel on the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter

As reported in HospitalityNet, Retreat Hotels & Resorts (“Retreat”), the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority (“GAEA”), and the City of Perry, GA announced the start of construction of a new TownePlace Suites / Fairfield by Marriott dual-branded hotel on the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (“Fairgrounds”) in Perry, GA. The hotel is expected to open in the summer of 2025.

The planned 129-key hotel features two brands under one roof, with 66 TownePlace Suites by Marriott keys and 63 Fairfield by Marriott keys. The property will be connected via an air-conditioned corridor to the adjacent conference center, the Miller Murphy Howard Center. Other amenities include a large pool, fitness center, guest laundry, bar, and restaurant.

The hotel is affiliated with Marriott, which is the largest hotel franchisor in the world. The TownePlace Suites is one of Marriott’s extended stay brands which caters to longer-term guests, whether that be individuals, families, or Fairground attendees. The Fairfield by Marriott brand is Marriott’s second-largest brand, with more than 124,000 keys globally, across 1,253 properties. Drawing inspiration from the Marriott family’s retreat, The Fairfield Farm, this brand places emphasis on simplicity, and caters to leisure and business travelers. This is the first Marriott in the Perry market, and the only Marriott hotel within a 15-mile radius.

Exterior rending of the TownePlace Suites / Fairfield by Marriott at the Georgia National Fairgrounds

The Fairgrounds are run by the by the GAEA, a state-appointed authority. The GAEA was created in 1985, through legislation, and was tasked with creating a facility to showcase Georgia’s agriculture/agribusiness, promote youth agricultural events and achievements, and provide a center for diverse activities to benefit the state economy such as the Georgia National Fair. The Fairgrounds hosts more than 200 events per year, with approximately one million visitors. The hotel site abuts I-75 which has a daily traffic count of approximately 65,000.

The City of Perry, Georgia is an historic community that encompasses over 27 square miles along I-75 right in the heart of Georgia. The community enjoys a unique downtown, excellent schools, a high quality of life, and proximity to Robins Air Force Base. As an award-winning premier community, Perry is focused on supporting strategic economic and community development while providing quality customer service to its citizens.

The project is financed by WSFS Bank, based in Wilmington, DE. The General Contractor for the project is Foutz Brothers Construction, based in Gainesville, GA. The architectural design for the project was created by Chamberlain Architect Services Limited, based in Ontario, Canada, with civil engineering provided by Triple Point Engineering, based in Macon, GA, and interior design done by Design Continuum, Inc., based in Atlanta, GA.

“We’re thrilled to begin construction. The hotel has been perfectly designed for the environment, we have strong hotel flags provided by Marriott, and terrific partners in the GAEA and the City of Perry. We can’t wait to welcome and delight guests from Georgia, and around the world,” said JJ Singh, President of Retreat Hotels & Resorts.

“WSFS is proud to partner again with the team at Retreat Hotels and Resorts, to provide financing on this project,” said Ron Weingrad, Senior Vice President of WSFS Bank. “This hotel is a welcome addition to our commercial real estate portfolio on the East Coast.”

“Breaking ground on this hotel is a major milestone,” said Foster Rhodes, Chairman of the GAEA. “The Fairgrounds have long needed first-class accommodations on-site to complement our robust operations.”

"We are pleased to partner with Retreat Hotels & Resorts on the TownePlace / Fairfield hotel. This hotel will further enhance the experience of our visitors,” said Stephen Shimp, Fairgrounds Executive Director. 

“We are delighted to support the new hotel at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on our community now and for future generations,” said City of Perry Mayor Randall Walker.

“In addition to the development of a much-needed asset for the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, this hotel will support economic development throughout Perry and bolster our tourism assets. We’re excited to watch this development progress and look forward to meeting new friends that choose to visit Perry and stay at this hotel,” said Holly Wharton, City of Perry Economic Development Director.

Retreat Chairman Honored for Development on Jekyll Island

Retreat Board Chair, and LNWA Co-Managing Principal, Dave Curtis was recently honored by the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (GACVB) for his work in revitalizing Jekyll Island. The Bill Hardman Sr. Product Development Tourism Champion Award was awarded to Curtis last month. The award is specifically given to a partner agency or individual for outstanding work in attracting capital investments for tourism projects.

“It was an honor to present Dave Curtis with the 2023 Product Development Tourism Champion Award. I, like many others, have enjoyed seeing the growth and revival of Jekyll Island, and we recognize that partnerships like this are an important part of the tourism industry’s continued success,” said Jay Markwalter, GACVB executive director.

Curtis and LNWA began working on Jekyll Island decades ago in restoring the historic Jekyll Island Club. The 1985 project had renovations in excess of $20 million.

“Dave and LNWA have been an instrumental part of making Jekyll Island what it is today, through their ongoing private/public investment partnership,” said Jones Hooks, executive director of the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA). “From his first day on the island all those decades ago, Dave not only believed in Jekyll, but he was also able to convince others to believe in Jekyll. We are all very grateful for his vision and willingness to accept some challenges and stick with us through these many years.”

You can read more here in the Brunswick News: Brunswick New Article

Job Fair July 7th!

Retreat Hotels & Resorts is pleased to host a job fair for our forthcoming Fairfield by Marriott hotel in Middletown, Delaware. Prospective employees can learn all about our opportunities at our job fair on Thursday July 7th from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at the Red Robin in Middletown. Exciting careers, great benefits!

Location: Red Robin Middletown

140 Commerce Drive

Middletown, DE 19709

Middletown Fairfield Progress Photos

by: JJ Singh

Our new Fairfield by Marriott in Middletown, DE is moving along nicely! We expect to open the hotel in Q3 of this year. We’ve hired our new General Manager, Diane Gradel, and we’re looking forward to welcoming guests in a few short months.

Retreat Announces the Execution of a Franchise Agreements to build a dual-brand Marriott in Perry, GA

As seen in Hospitality Net, Retreat Hotels & Resorts (“Retreat”) announced the execution of franchise agreements for a new dual-brand hotel with Marriott International at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (“GNFA”) in Perry, GA. The brands, a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott, will cater to visitors of all types. 

In July 2021, Retreat entered into a long-term ground lease with the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority (“GAEA”) for a site on the GNFA, adjacent to the Miller Murphy Howard Convention Center. The site abuts I-75 with significant daily traffic counts, while the GNFA attracts approximately one million visitors per year.

The first brand, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, has agricultural roots that befit this development. In 1951, John Willard and Alice Marriott purchased the Fairfield Farms in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. They used this farm as a gathering place for family, friends, and business associates. As a tribute to their farm, they created the Fairfield brand in 1987, with its first location being in Atlanta, GA. The brand is about providing a “simple, straightforward, and stress-free experience,” to mimic the simplicity and joy brought to the Marriotts at their beloved Fairfield Farm. With more than 1,000 Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott hotels worldwide, the hotel warmly welcomes guests with friendly service and comfortable spaces – offering them the flexibility to work, rest and maintain their balance while on the road.

The second brand, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, is designed to appeal to longer stay travelers who want to feel at home and stay productive. The design offers guests extraordinary value and features modern spacious suites with full kitchens, larger public spaces and a complimentary hot breakfast. The décor expresses today’s design trends with an emphasis on comfort and creating a sense of well-being. With nearly 500 TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotels in North America, the hotel is an important component of Marriott’s portfolio.

While there will be two hotel flags, there will be only one building with a shared lobby and shared amenities. Fairfield guestrooms will be featured on one side of the hotel, while TownePlace Suites rooms will be located on the other side.

“We’re proud to partner with Marriott again on another dual-brand project,” said JJ Singh, president of Retreat Hotels & Resorts. “Following on the success of our dual-brand Marriott project on Jekyll Island, we see opportunities for synergies as a developer, and a streamlined, enhanced experience for our guests. The Fairgrounds are a special place, and we’ve got the perfect brands to match.”

“The Georgia National Fairgrounds is a first-class venue for competitions, conventions, entertainment, exhibitions, meetings, trade shows, and related events, all in one facility,” said GNFA Executive Director Stephen Shimp. “Now we look forward to providing first-class accommodations, and welcoming these two powerful Marriott brands, under one roof.”

“We’re pleased to partner with Retreat Hotels and the GNFA for this wonderful dual-brand hotel,” said Chris DiBenedetto, Vice President of Lodging Development for Marriott International. “These two powerful brands make for a compelling dual-branded property and we’re excited about all the potential we see here in Perry, and at the Fairgrounds.”

LNWA & the Orlean Company Announce the Formation of Retreat Hotels & Resorts

by Elska Vuong

As seen in Hotel Business, Leon N. Weiner & Associates, Inc. (“LNWA”), a mission-minded housing development firm in Delaware, and the Orlean Company, a developer of residential and commercial real estate in Ohio, announced the formation of a joint-venture, Retreat Hotels & Resorts (“Retreat”). 

Retreat is a full-service developer, owner, asset manager, and operator of hotels and resort communities. Seeded with existing hotel assets and a robust pipeline of future projects under development, Retreat has a presence in Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Virginia.

The Board and management team have extensive experience in the sector, developing more than one half billion dollars in hospitality assets, representing brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Choice, and independent flags. Retreat’s Board of Managers tapped JJ Singh, former Director of LNWA’s hotel division, as its President.

  “I’m thrilled to lead this new venture,” said Singh. “We have a fantastic team, an outstanding pipeline, and we’re well capitalized. In short, we’re well-positioned to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests and strong returns for our investors.”

  The name Retreat has its roots in history, while also representing the hospitable culture the new company represents. LNWA’s first hotel asset, the Jekyll Island Club, had a long and storied history. In the 19th century, the Club became the preferred retreat for the most prominent families of American history including the Vanderbilts, Pulitzers, and Rockefellers. During the 20th century, the Club fell on hard times, but in 1985, LNWA transformed the property into the thriving resort it is today, welcoming guests from all around the world. The term Retreat embodies a place of privacy or safety—a refuge where travelers can escape, recharge, and leave invigorated and refreshed.

  “Strategically, forming this hospitality company with the Orlean Company is an important step for LNWA. This business structure will allow the new firm to attract investment capital and support our core business: developing, building, managing and owning affordable multifamily rental housing,” said Glenn Brooks, President of LNWA. “Retreat Hotels and Resorts will build upon LNWA’s proud 36-year history of providing world class lodging experiences.”

  “We’re proud to join LNWA in forming this new venture,” said David Orlean, President of the Orlean Company. “Like LNWA, our core business is multifamily and commercial development, with assets in the hospitality sector. Forming this joint-venture allows us to significantly grow our presence in the sector.”

LNW Hospitality Bringing Hotel to Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter

LNW Hospitality and the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority (“GAEA”) announced a new hotel coming to the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (“GNFA”), located in Perry, GA.

Established in 1990, the GNFA serves as a facility for youth and agricultural organizations to exhibit, learn, compete, and promote. It is also the site of the celebrated, state-owned Georgia National Fair. The 1,100-acre complex hosts more than 200 events annually with more than one million visitors per year. The hotel will be directly visible from I-75 and will host Fairgrounds’ visitors, venders, and presenters, as well as northbound and southbound travelers.

GAEA Chairman Foster Rhodes and JJ Singh, Director of LNW Hospitality, signed the long-term lease agreement on July 14 to bring the hotel to a site adjacent to the Miller Murphy Howard Building conference center. LNW Hospitality plans a hotel with a mix of standard rooms and suites, along with food and beverage offerings, an outdoor pool, and numerous other amenities.

“We are thrilled to partner with the GAEA, the Fairgrounds, and the City of Perry to bring this hotel to life. We have appreciated the leadership of all parties in helping turn this vision into a viable project. Perry and the Fairgrounds are renowned for the ability to bring all Georgians together, and we look forward to building a hotel that will match the importance of its location,” said Singh.

Stephen Shimp, Executive Director of the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, said, “We are truly excited that we are finally getting a hotel here. LNW has been a pleasure to work with to this point and we look forward to a continued partnership. They certainly have a great reputation and have a very impressive record of building quality hotels,” said Shimp.

The Mayor of Perry, Randall Walker, as well as the City Council, and Economic Development Director Ashley Hardin, facilitated introductions and approved incentives, to advance the project. Said Mayor Walker, “Perry is rapidly growing, represents a significant consumer base, and is a place where people want to live and locate businesses. This new hotel will continue to generate economic activity and bring more jobs to our growing city.”

Courtyard / Residence Inn Jekyll Island - Now Open!

Just in time to meet the summer rush, the dual-branded Courtyard / Residence Inn Jekyll Island officially opened for business on June 3rd. Located on Jekyll’s picturesque beachfront, the two Marriott brands, combined on one property, provide guests with options to meet any need: business, leisure or a little of both.

The new hotel features 120 Residence Inn by Marriott rooms, and 89 Courtyard by Marriott rooms, as well as Jekyll’s largest heated, fresh-water, oceanfront pool, including a hot tub and splash pad. With fire pits, a Bistro offering coffee and grab and go meals and snacks, a fitness center, and 2,600 square feet of event space, combined with Shore, the hotel is a self-contained beachfront resort.

The design also incorporates numerous environmentally friendly features; it is the first hotel on Jekyll Island to have solar panels on the roof. Additionally, all the exterior lighting is turtle-friendly.

After two years of construction, LNW Hospitality and New Castle Hotels & Resorts, the team that also developed the Westin and Hampton Inn & Suites on Jekyll, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 15th with many of their local partners to celebrate the opening.

“We’ve carefully designed this getaway to provide guests with an experience that is unforgettable,” said JJ Singh, Director of LNW Hospitality. “LNW Hospitality has a long and successful track record on Jekyll Island. With dramatic oceanfront views, world class amenities, and several dining options, we’ve created a destination to serve all of our travelers’ needs. We appreciate the efforts of our entire team to bring this project to life.”

“It was clear from the beginning that Courtyard and Residence Inn were the ideal brands for this destination,” said Julian Buffam, partner, New Castle Hotels & Resorts. “We appreciate that the brands’ designers were so flexible and worked closely with us to tweak standards and incorporate enhancements that make sense for them, and the market. Guests will immediately see that this property is so much more than a typical upscale business/leisure hotel and I think other developers will look to this project as they conceive future resorts.”

The Courtyard by Marriott Jekyll Island guest room offers hybrid zones for working, sleeping, relaxing, and getting ready. The new room design is intuitive and thoughtful, offering flexible yet comfortable spaces that enable technology. Upon arrival, guests can store bags on the “Luggage Drop” and plug personal devices into the “Tech Drop” ledge for seamless technology integration.

The Residence Inn Jekyll Island offers studio and one-bedroom suites. Designed for stays of five nights or more, each suite also has a fully equipped kitchen with a coffeemaker, microwave oven and residential-sized appliances. Guests looking for a revitalizing sleep experience will enjoy the hotel’s plush mattresses and crisp linens, while guests focused on being productive will value their suite’s large, well-lit work desk, ergonomic chair and complimentary high-speed Internet access.

A barrier island off the coast of Georgia, Jekyll Island became a tourist destination for the richest families in America in the late 1800s. Over the past 10 years, more than $350 million in public and private investment has been made on the island. Today, Jekyll Island is home to 12 hotels, a world-class ocean-front convention center, and numerous amenities to support tourism on the island. Money Magazine ranked Jekyll Island the top place to go for vacation in 2019.

The Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott Jekyll Island is located at 178 S. Beachview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA 31527.

Courtyard / Residence Inn Construction Progress

The Courtyard / Residence Inn Jekyll Island is set to open summer 2021! Check out an update below.

You've Been Ghosted

by Elska Vuong

Perhaps no industry was more aware of 2020’s buzzword ‘pivoting’ than hotels, which have become adept at repurposing their spaces throughout the pandemic. They offered their empty rooms as housing for the homeless and temporary offices for executives and remote workers; they’ve even turned their conference rooms into classrooms for children learning remotely. But while most of those concepts will likely go to the wayside as hotel occupancy rates rebound, one concept that may stick around has to do with how hotels utilize their kitchen space.

Before the pandemic, food and beverage programs at full-service hotels were known to rarely be revenue generators. Required to have an on-property restaurant to meet brand standards, full-service hotels needed to keep a full kitchen and wait staff on standby all hours of the day and night to offer room service for an uncertain demand, a costly endeavor.

Enter the ghost kitchen. Also called “digital kitchens,” ghost kitchens are cooking facilities that produce food for delivery or takeout only. As the lodging industry saw decreases in room revenue at the height of the pandemic, some entrepreneurial hotel managers were able to create new revenue streams in their underutilized restaurant and catering kitchens by turning them into ghost kitchens. Demand for takeout and delivery was skyrocketing, and there were food businesses looking to rent commercial kitchen space and had no need - or desire - to invest the large sums typically required to open a restaurant staffed and designed to serve in-person diners. Thus, the makings of a mutually beneficial partnership.

Analysts estimate that fewer than 5% of hotels in the United States are operating ghost kitchens from within their properties, but that number is expected to grow, and already includes properties from major brands like Marriott, Accor, and Hilton. In fact, there are now a number of companies that are focused exclusively on supporting the burgeoning ghost kitchen industry.

One, C3 (for Creating Culinary Communities), operates multiple food brands for delivery from a single ghost kitchen, and sees hotels as a key part of expanding their business. The kitchen operates as both the in-house dining for the hotel as well as a hub of operations for food delivery to the surrounding neighborhood. Particularly at hotels in prime locations whose on-property food offerings have not typically been popular with locals, attaching a name brand to the property could bring new cache and customers. Companies such as Butler Hospitality will take over a hotel kitchen and manage it as a central hub for room service to both the property it operates within as well as to surrounding hotels via delivery. Or there’s UseKitch, which connects food businesses with individual chefs with available commercial kitchen spaces.

But what does this mean for hotels as occupancy rises and they start to need their kitchen facilities back? Whether it’s partnering with a company to operate their in-room and/or on-property dining, or repurposing their catering kitchens permanently to support ghost kitchen operations for the long term to supplement their in-person dining offerings, it’s hard to imagine that hotels would turn their back on a new revenue stream in a once unprofitable area of their business. Especially while demand continues to rise: The business of food delivery is expected to be a $75.9b industry by 2022, while Euromonitor, a market research firm in London, predicts ghost kitchens will be a $1 trillion industry in the next 10 years. 

If anything, it’s more likely that we start to see newer trends in hotel development, with developers thinking through how to better facilitate delivery and takeout in the communities surrounding a hotel restaurant. The emergence of ghost kitchens may turn out to be one of those rare scenarios in which all parties walk away happy. “Everybody’s happy: Hotels are happy they can charge monthly fees on an unused kitchen,” said Richie Karaburun, a professor at New York University’s Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality. “Customers are happy they can get more choices. Entrepreneurs are happy they don’t have to invest so much money and time for a restaurant.” Making lemonade out of lemons, indeed.

Georgian Governor Tours the Courtyard / Residence Inn on Jekyll Island

by JJ Singh & Rani Bernstein

On Friday, March 26th, 2021, the Governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, along with several members of his administration, toured our very own Courtyard / Residence Inn on Jekyll Island.

The visit was part of a broader focus on tourism in Georgia and the Golden Isles. As reported by The Brunswick News, the Governor remarked, “’I’m incredibly optimistic about where we are headed as a state…What seemed like a constant stream of bad news a year ago has been replaced with hope and optimism for the first time in a very long time.’”

The Courtyard / Residence Inn hotel is nearly complete and slated to open in June of this year. See below for pictures!

2027: A Space Odyssey

by Elska Vuong

Things here on Earth got you down? Looking to escape it all for a little bit - like really escape? You’re going to have to wait a couple years, but come 2027 you could stay in the world’s first ‘space hotel’, courtesy of construction company Orbital Assembly Corporation. The hotel, named Voyager Station, aims to be a cruise ship-style luxury hotel floating above the Earth’s atmosphere, with capacity to lodge up to 280 guests (and 112 crew members) at a time. 

Voyager Station will look similar to a large wheel, with a large rotating ring, comprised of 24 pods that connect to the central hub via elevators. The physics behind the design is similar to a simple science experience--if you tie a rope to a bucket of water, and spin the bucket in a large circle a fast enough, the water will not leak out. The bucket can be completely upside down and the water will not fall out. Similarly, the rotating wheel of the space hotel would work to create a simulated gravity that decreases as guests move closer to the central hub--all, hopefully, without any dizziness!

With the simulated gravity, guest rooms will feature many of the same comforts as those found in hotels on Earth. Guests can sleep in their beds and shower normally, with the added benefit of views that are quite literally ‘out of this world’. Voyager Station will also have chic bars and restaurants serving traditional ‘space food’, and plan to offer recreational activities like basketball that highlight the unique setting; the weightlessness and reduced gravity will allow participants to live out some of their Space Jam fantasies. 

In terms of getting to the hotel, John Blincow, the head of Orbital Assembly Corporation, also a former pilot, says he’s looking forward to partnering with the companies actively working to make commercial space travel a reality, such as Virgin Galactic and SpaceX.

Ready to make a reservation? Voyager Station is already taking bookings - all you need is a cool $5 million for a three-and-half-day stay (transportation not included, of course). Or just go ahead and purchase one of their ‘villas’ as a vacation home. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, so plenty of time to save up. And for the vast majority of us who can’t afford it, we can still ‘space out’ and day dream. 

Jekyll Island - A Gorgeous Place to Call Home

by Rani Bernstein

Recently, I visited Jekyll Island, Georgia for the first time. With any great beach destination there is often lots of development such as restaurants, hotels, casinos, and more. However, Jekyll Island is quite the opposite. Despite having access to breathtaking beaches, development restrictions limit the amount of land that can be developed. Because of this, there are many trails that take you through forests and beaches. Whether you’re going for a brisk walk, riding your bike, or rollerblading, there are many trails to explore.

I was surprised by the island’s tranquility. Almost all the hotels and businesses are in the center of the island, meaning that the residential areas aren’t dominated with traffic. A tight-knit community, those I had seen just once the day before offered a friendly smile and wave when I saw them at the local market. It reminded me of the sitcoms I’d grown up watching, set in small towns.

The peacefulness of the ocean complements the slower pace of life. Located just an hour from Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia, I didn’t feel too far removed from the crowds of people I’m used to.

For those looking to slow down while living in a picturesque beach town, Jekyll Island is the perfect place to call home. One of our developments, The Moorings at Jekyll Harbor, offers new luxury condominiums and townhouses.

Feel free to click through the pictures below. For more information, visit www.themooringsatjekyll.com.

Valentine's Day Getaways

By: Rani Bernstein

Whether it’s galantine’s day, a getaway with your significant other, or a meeting up with your friends, Redbook recently published an article highlighting some fantastic destinations for Valentine’s day this year. Here are some of the highlights:

1.       Relaxing, immersive experience: Dunton Hot Spring Cabins, Dunton, Colorado

Each authentically restored, hand-built cabin offers wonderful views of the mountains and surrounding meadows. Some even have their own hot spring inside of it. Each are located steps away from the bath house, which has a variety of hot springs that are intended to help improve circulation and promote healthy skin. The waters range from 85-106 degrees Fahrenheit. There are even winter programs such as snowshoeing or skiing! For more information, visit their website, linked here.

2.       Romantic resort: Paradise Stream, a CoveHaven Entertainment Resort, Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania

What’s one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of the Poconos? Heart-shape tubs! With three locations in Pennsylvania, these resorts are known for their heart-shaped hot tubs in each room, and suites with champagne glass hot-tubs. Some suites even have a private pool. This resort is located on private Lake Eden, in the Pocono Mountains. With two restaurants, two bars, and a nightclub, there are a variety of activities throughout the day to keep guests entertained. For more information, visit their website, linked here.

 3.       City getaway: Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada

With spa-like bathrooms and floor to ceiling windows, this hotel is a luxury experience designed for those looking for relaxation in a big city. To splurge even more, book a room with direct views of the strip! With private cabanas available to rent near the pool, and a large spa, this is the ultimate getaway, located just minutes from the Las Vegas strip.

For other hotel ideas, visit the Redbook article! Happy Valentine’s Day to all.

Unique 2021 Hotel Openings

By: Rani Bernstein

Have you noticed that many hotels are creating unique concepts to entice visitors? Perhaps they’re trying to entice millennials.

As Condor Ferries reports, 86% of millennials travel for experience and culture, with 60% ranking authentic culture as the most vital part of the entire travel experience. This is one reason why more hotels are beginning to focus on the experiences they offer. 2021 will see some of these hotels. Below are three we are excited for, as seen in Vogue.

Lifehouse, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Anticipated to open Winter 2021, this boutique hotel takes over Chattanooga’s beaux-arts train terminal with suites located in old-school Pullman train cars. The hotel is complete with a 40-seat cinema, recording studio, and 1970s lounge and restaurant.

Hutton Brickyards, Kingston, New York

Opening Spring 2021, these luxury cabins are located an hour and a half from New York City. Set on 73 acres of land, you can find an archery range, croquet lawn, fire pits, hiking trails, kayaking, paddle-boarding, snow shoeing, skiing, beekeeping, and an outdoor yoga studio in addition to a spa and restaurant. Need an afternoon snack or drink? Flag down the delivery cart that travels by the countryside cabins.

The Aurum, Catskills, New York

Anticipated to open Fall 2021, this will feature North America’s first Roman-style hammam. Traditionally, a hammam was a public bath, as bathing was considered a social activity. Today, hammams are incorporated in spa treatments, using steam and various water temperatures to stimulate circulation and cleanse one’s pores. These bungalows will have outdoor gardens, interiors filled with antiques, and a shared 6,000 square foot spa that features many bathing and wellness concepts first seen in Ancient Rome.

All of these celebrate history and ensure memorable, unique experiences. For exciting travel ideas in all parts of the world, be sure to visit the article!

2020 Holiday Trends to Bring Home

By: Rani Bernstein

As we reflect on all that’s happened in 2020, some are finding creative ways to commemorate the year. Although many aren’t traveling this holiday season, hotels are still working hard to be creative during the holiday season. Below are some ideas hotels have tried that you can try in your own home!

“Charcuterwreaths”

You may be familiar with a traditional charcuterie board: a plate consisting of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and spreads. During the holiday season, hotels often look for festive ways to present their food. One way to “spruce up” these traditional boards: arranging them into wreaths!

They’re very simple to make. Once you gather all the items, arrange them in a circle along the outer edges, leaving the center empty. You can even use herbs such as rosemary sprigs for greenery and texture.

This is a fun and festive way to style a classic dish!

Ugly Face Masks

We all know about “ugly sweaters” during the holidays. In the past, some brands even offered free hotel room upgrades, or early flight boarding to those who wore an ugly sweater. While there might not be there deals right now. In 2020, there’s a rise of a new favorite: The Ugly Face Mask.

The LA Metro Twitter page is coined with starting this trend, encouraging followers to share their horrible face coverings.  Some have really gotten into it, with someone even going as far as to decorate their mask with real pine!  

Themed Rooms

The Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, Michigan, is offering a fully decorated “Elf” suite for the holiday season, inspired by the movie, Elf. Guests will get food inspired by Buddy’s four main food groups (candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup) and the whole room is decorated with quotes and items that reference the movie.

You could do something similar to this! Decorate each room according to a different movie or television show to create a getaway within your own home.

Although this year wasn’t what we expected, it’s still important to celebrate all we’ve accomplished, and these are some fun ways to do that. Happy Holidays!

Bringing Hotels Home for the Holidays - Holiday Recipes You Must Try!

by Rani Bernstein

As the holiday season approaches, many are reinventing their holiday plans. A time infamous for large family gatherings is being modified, with intimate gatherings taking the lead. Although families may not be traveling across the country to see each other, Forbes has introduced a way to bring the travel excitement home to you: enjoy Thanksgiving-inspired recipes from luxury hotels around the world! In the article, “ 29 Thanksgiving Recipes from Top Hotels Around the World,” Forbes lists exciting recipes that you can introduce to your Thanksgiving menu. Below I will outline three exciting dishes/drinks that you must try! Check out the Forbes article, linked above, for recipes.

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**Photo Source: Forbes.com

Ashford Castle: Chocolate, Candied Pecan Nut & Cinnamon S’more Pot

Located in Ireland, Ashford Castle is a five-star castle hotel that was once owned and occupied by the Guinness Family. With 83 rooms, suites, and even a Hideaway Cottage, this hotel is complete with waterfront views and activities.

Executive Pastry Chef Paula Stakelum talks about being inspired by her first bite of marshmallow with sweet potato. The texture of marshmallows stuck with her as she created this decadent dessert.

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**Photo Source: Forbes.com

Hyatt Regency Maui: Molokai Sweet Purple Potato & Haupia Pie.

Located in Maui, Hawaii, the Hyatt Regency Maui spans over 40 acres along the ocean. With 806 rooms that each have their own private lanai, they offer an all-inclusive rate, in addition to a regular room rate.

Developed by Chef David Flegel, this pie is an island-inspired version of a sweet potato pie. Haupia is a coconut milk-based dessert that’s often served at luaus and other gatherings, and it adds a sweet layer on the top of the pie. A slice of this will bring you right to a tropical paradise!

**Photo Source: Forbes.com

Hotel Hassler Roma: Count Your Blessings

Located in Rome’s City Center in Italy, this hotel has been recognized as one of Europe’s legendary independently-owned five star luxury hotels. With 66 rooms, 20 suites, and 1 penthouse suite, this hotel is located in a prime location.

While not an entrée, this cocktail is certainly one of a kind. Made with whiskey, cranberry sauce, maple syrup, and lemon juice, this cocktail holds the essence of Thanksgiving (and the booze doesn’t hurt!). To serve it as Head Barman, Stefano Santucci intends, serve it with a side of boiled chestnuts infused with blueberry juice and red vermouth!

These recipes will bring some much-needed excitement home to us this holiday season. Enjoy!

Courtyard/Residence Inn Debuts Model Rooms

by Rani Bernstein

LNW Hospitality recently celebrated the “topping out” of the Courtyard/Residence Inn Jekyll Island, and now are excited to share another milestone with you: debut of model rooms for each brand!

The purpose of model rooms is to make sure that all furniture is the correct size, everything is placed correctly in the rooms, electrical engineering (outlets, light switches, etc.) are placed in good locations, etc. It gives us a chance to make sure that everything is perfect before continue to do the same in every room. (We wouldn’t want to order 200+ couches and realize they don’t fit in the rooms!).

Because this hotel consists of two different brands, and therefore two different room products, we put together one model room for each brand. Photos are below!

Courtyard by Marriott

With 1,200+ properties, Courtyard by Marriott is typically designed for the modern business traveler. Created over 30 years, this brand has continued to evolve in the upscale category. The brand lives by the motto, “Fueled by Passion,” with the goal being to create opportunities for guests to pursue personal and professional passions while traveling. Courtyards aim to provide modern and open lobby spaces to provide guest with the opportunity to work or relax, as well as fitness centers.

Guest Rooms Offer:

• Wide, comfortable sleeper sofas

• Hospitality cabinets

• Optimally placed outlets

• Television, in-room refrigerators

Residence Inn by Marriott

With 850+ properties, Residence Inn created and defined the extended stay hotel category. Designed for longer stays, this brand offers spacious suites with separate living, working, and sleeping zones. This brand offers complimentary breakfast, outdoor living spaces with fire pits and grills, as well as lobby space to relax. Additionally, there is on-site laundry.

Guest Rooms Offer:

• Zones for working, relaxing, eating, and sleeping

• Fully equipped kitchen with full-sized refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and coffeemaker

• Signature desk, located by windows for natural light

• Large bathrooms

Model room photo credits: Stephen Schindel, Development Associate