NEWSLETTER - Charlestowne Hotels

NEWSLETTER
Springmaid Beach Resort & Conference Center. Myrtle Beach, SC
–QUARTER
A Leer from the President
Earlier this spring, I had the honor of speaking at the Hunter
Investment Conference, HI Connect Design Conference, and
the HSMAI Management Company Executive Roundtable. The
level of enthusiasm and optimism at all three events was
prodigious. From investors to operators to distributors everyone seemed to have the belief that not only is our industry
back, but it may be the best it’s been in years. It seems to be very
clear - people want to travel and experience new places now
more than ever.
We have the ability to not only influence those experiences,
but to make them truly special. As we endeavor to grow our
company with the right partners and associates, one core fact
remains - our guests are the ones that determine our success.
Recently refreshed rooms at Andrew Pinckney Inn, Charleston, SC
We need to consistently ask
ourselves "How can I make
someone's stay truly remarkable?"
Whether it is a family vacation in
Orlando, a business trip in
Charleston, or a girls' weekend in
Myrtle Beach, we have the power
to make their stay exceptional even life changing. The definition
of hospitality is to provide a Michael Tall, President & COO
cordial and generous reception towards guests. At
Charlestowne Hotels, let's strive to make sure the word
"remarkable" makes it into our definition of hospitality.
New Faces
Daniel Pressly - e-commerce analyst
Daniel recently relocated to Charleston aer graduating from
Kent State University in Ohio where he received Summa Cum
Laude honors for both his Managerial Marketing and Business
Management degrees. He found his passion for hospitality
marketing during his tenure as a marketing intern for the State
of Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism where he worked
closely with partners promoting statewide advertising
initiatives to target markets for a majority of Ohio's
destinations. Aer three short months with Charlestowne
Hotels, Dan was quickly promoted from his original role as a
marketing coordinator to an e-commerce analyst.
Stacy Booth - accountant
Stacy brings more than fieen years of experience within both
the hospitality and accounting industries. Prior to coming to
Charlestowne Hotels, Stacy worked at Starwood and
Wyndham as director of marketing and at Diamond Resorts as
a regional controller. Stacy first began her accounting career at
Nabisco, Inc. and held positions such as facilities finance
analyst and marketing budget accountant over her 6 year term.
Sherrill Baker - regional director of operations
Sherrill boasts a wide range of competencies gleaned during
her nineteen years in the hospitality industry. Her forte is hotel
operations and revenue management with a focus on AAA
Four and Five Diamond boutique hotels. Most recently, Sherrill
managed the O. Henry hotel in Greensboro, NC and was
instrumental in the opening of its sister property, the Proximity
Hotel, the first LEED Platinum hotel in the United States.
Previously, Sherrill worked at such fine properties as Carolina
Inn and Siena Hotel in Chapel Hill, NC and Woodlands Inn,
Summerville, SC.
Sara Dykyj - corporate revenue assistant
Sara has worked in the hospitality industry for 7 years in various
capacities. She has been with Charlestowne Hotels since
2009, first serving at the HarbourView Inn as the evening
supervisor aer being promoted from a front desk
representative. Prior to coming to Charlestowne Hotels, Sara
honed her skills at the Best Western Charleston Downtown in
various roles including reservations manager, revenue manager
and front desk manager.
The newly updated atrium atHarbourView Inn, Charleston, SC
New Ventures
Andy Hodges formerly the assistant general manager of
Springmaid Beach Resort has relocated and is now serving as
Chris Ellison formerly a corporate revenue manager has been the general manager of Glenstone Lodge in Gatlinburg, TN.
named the new general manager of The Palms Oceanfront
Best wishes to Chris and Andy in their new assignments.
Hotel on the Isle of Palms.
Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock, NC
Sewanee Inn (artist’s rendering), Sewanee, TN
Glenstone Lodge, Gatlinburg, TN
Holiday Inn Express Charleston Downtown - Ashley River, Charleston, SC
New Places
Meadowbrook Inn & Suites - Blowing Rock, NC
Located one block from Blowing Rock's Historic Downtown,
this 62 room hotel and conference center offers great
convenience for both leisure and group travelers. Spacious
guest rooms and suites offer an abundance of amenities
including gas fireplaces and private balconies. The hotel
features the largest ballroom in Blowing Rock, a large indoor
pool, a fitness center and scenic landscaped grounds.
Sewanee Inn & Conference Center - Sewanee, TN
The University of the South, familiarly known as Sewanee, will
soon boast a 43 room upscale inn providing ample indoor and
outdoor event space. The Sewanee Inn, inspired by structures
found throughout the campus, incorporates Southern
Vernacular and collegiate Gothic architectural elements. Both
the grand lobby and lounge area will house dramatic floor to
ceiling fireplaces providing cozy gathering space for both
leisure and business guests. The Sewanee Inn is slated to open
second quarter 2014.
e-commerce contract, recently executed a full management
agreement entrusting Charlestowne Hotels to oversee every
aspect of the property's operation. The owners of the Lodge
saw a 27% increase in revenue while under the original
contract. During this time period, Charlestowne Hotels
identified additional opportunities to increase the property's
overall profitability if operational control was given. Since
March 1, Glenstone Lodge has noticed an additional increase in
revenue and has added new amenities to the property
including flat screen televisions and enhanced bedding.
Holiday Inn Express Charleston Downtown-Ashley
River - Charleston, SC
The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cuing Ceremony for the
new Holiday Inn Express Charleston Downtown-Ashley River
was held on April 3. The event brought a great turnout and
much appreciated media buzz. Located across the street from
the Ashley River and Brilebank Park, the hotel is adjacent to
the Medical University of South Carolina and is just minutes
from the Historic District. This ideal location allows guests to
Glenstone Lodge - Gatlinburg, TN
access the area's many plantations, golf courses and pristine
Glenstone Lodge, included in Charlestowne Hotels' portfolio beaches. The mayor pro tempore complimented the hotel and
since January, 2012 under a revenue management and spoke of how the project added beauty to the area.
Shem Creek Inn’s new responsive website in
desktop and smartphone versions
New Technology
The surge of handheld gadgets and devices has exposed most
businesses to a 24/7 digital world. Tablets and smartphones
have not only changed the way businesses operate, but how
they appear to the public. With this new paradigm shi in mind,
Charlestowne Hotels has started transforming a majority of
their client's websites to a "responsive design" platform. This
new type of design automatically adapts to the various devices
with which one is viewing the website, allowing for optimal
presentation and user experience. A few of the newest
responsive websites include French Quarter Inn, King Charles
Inn, HarbourView Inn and Shem Creek Inn.
The new upper lobby and Brew Pub & Cafe at King Charles Inn
New Look
Did You Know?
Recently the King Charles Inn, located on Meeting Street in
In 2012 the hospitality industry saw online traffic from
Charleston's Historic District, underwent several property
mobile devices increase to 21%, nearly doubling in
upgrades and launched BREW Pub & Cafe, the hotel's new
volume from the previous year.
dining option for breakfast and evening libations. Guests can
now enjoy a specialty coffee and delicious breakfast
overlooking the pool and terrace or wind down the evening
with a signature cocktail. The new lobby and pub now receive Publication ©Charlestowne Hotels
For more information, contact Denise Piper, ( - or
guests with a more urban and upscale feel.
Susan Cohen, (-
Charlestowne Hotels
Bridgeside Boulevard
Suite Mount Pleasant, SC