The Sessions Hotel, Tribute Portfolio in Bristol, VA
Inspired by the pioneers of country music, The Sessions Hotel serves as an authentic experience in thoughtfully repurposed historic buildings, where rustic meets contemporary.
Design & Architecture
The 100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World in 2025
What makes compiling a list like Fodor’s Finest Hotels such a daunting task is the outrageous number of hotels worldwide. The United Nations World Travel Organization has estimated that there are roughly 700,000 hotels in the world–from hostels to uber-luxury. Other estimates suggest the number is closer to 1 million properties–and some believe there are even more. And while there seems to be no definitive answer, one thing is certain: that’s a lot of options.
Hotel West & Main, Tapestry Collection in Conshohocken, PA
As the old saying goes: "Don't take life too seriously... you'll never get out alive." If Hotel West & Main had a mantra, this surely would be it! Energized by the spirit of a simpler time, this boutique property exudes a sophisticated yet eclectic style, mixed in with some wit and humor to remind guests of that very mantra. LET BYGONES BE BYGONES Hotel West & Main revives the concept of a social club of a bygone era to present day and invites people from all walks of life to come together. Evoking the easy-going vibe of a simpler time, Hotel West & Main marries a modern balance of Conshohocken’s industrial past and the influence of the Main Line’s established opulence. We turned history on its head by breaking down the barriers between communities and becoming a destination for everyone – the bold, brash, proper, and polite. With an interior that boasts a paradox of style — a polished patina with an authentic and approachable edge that’s effortlessly cool. The juxtaposing personalities are married by an underlying sense of wit and unconventional moments of discovery. We added a humorous spin to ordinary objects, making them relatable to everyone — no matter who you are. We aim to remind our guests not to take life too seriously and that they should have a good time while they’re here. Whether your ties lie on the Main Line or downtown Conshohocken, it no longer matters – if you embrace your roots and refuse to apologize for it, then you’re already part of our club. DETAILS, DETAILS Upon entering this unique property, our story was an easy one to tell. The entry is chalk full of fun and ironic moments to discover. Some of the unique aspects you can find at Hotel West & Main:
We repurposed and relocated the original fireman's lockers from the upper floor to be used as cabinets in the retail and front desk areas. The backdrop of the front desk displays a woven firehose feature. The main lobby also features a rug with firehose design to tie in the overall concept. The original horn code board is displayed in the main lobby lounge. Guestrooms have art that says “I’d rather be doing the Conshy strut”, which refers to a local man’s famous dance that locals know about.
ACCENTUATING CONSHOHOCKEN’S HISTORY 1874 with a humorous spin - Hotel West & Main unapologetically embraces its roots. Preservation played an integral role in blending the past bygone era with the present day. From the refurbished fireman pole upon entry to the Hook & Ladder Restaurant that features chandeliers, stained glass windows, and millwork - all historically unique to the building. The details extend architecturally in the Hook & Ladder Bar that features a five-star skybar view of the 1874 Washington Fire Company Bell Tower. FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION Together with our strategic branding partner, Might & Main, we created a unique story behind each space and carried this through to all aspects of our design. "IIG has been a great firm to work with on the interior design of Hotel West & Main. As a hotel that was in the midst of design when the pandemic began, IIG was able to pivot seamlessly as ownership was strategizing on making this a viable project." — Jennifer RosenbergKEYSTONE, Development Director
“Partnering with IIG on hotel brand projects is an exciting and satisfying process for our team. As a firm that specializes in branding, it's selfishly great to work with a group that cares so deeply about authentic narrative and unique positioning for hospitality projects. But it's also easy to see that their attention to detail, keen eye for aesthetics, design talent, and completely comprehensive logistical follow through all comes together to turn our collaborative branding work into the most compelling and successful projects. We look forward to every chance we get to work with IIG." — Sean WilkinsonMight & Main
“They have met every deadline and have been fantastic to work with. Their end result product is awesome too.” — Carl HrenSVP Development, Concord Hospitality
Jennifer DurrantDirector of Marketing and PR, IIG [email protected]+1 219-235-9876Interior image Group (IIG)
Why the Branded Residences Market Is Surging
Imagine living in a condo with everything at your fingertips: a full suite of amenities—from coworking spaces and wellness facilities to art studios and private screening rooms—all paired with luxury hotel services and wrapped in a stunning design. That’s the allure of today’s branded residences, and it’s no surprise demand is skyrocketing.
The Advantages of Owning a Small Hotel
In an era where personalization and authenticity are paramount, small hotels are emerging as the crown jewels of the hospitality industry. Owners of boutique properties are uniquely positioned to offer something that larger brands often can’t—a hands-on, deeply personal guest experience. During the Boutique Hotel Owners Conference by BLLA, industry leaders Kimberly Walker, Moody Nashawaty, Alex Kirkwood and Ariela Kiradjian dove into the advantages of small hotel ownership, sharing their own experiences and insights into why this model is so attractive in today’s market.
An Interview with BLLA Award Winner, Jon Kully of LEFT LANE
In the ever-evolving landscape of boutique hospitality, LEFT LANE stands out as a pioneering force, transforming historic buildings into vibrant cultural hubs across America. At the helm of this innovative venture is Jon Kully, a visionary who has brought a fresh perspective to real estate development, blending architecture, design, and brand creation into a seamless experience. As part of our 2024 BLLA Award Winners Series, we spoke with Jon about his journey, the ethos behind LEFT LANE, and what it means to be recognized as the Best Boutique Hotel Owner.
Choice Hotels relaunches Radisson Individuals as part of its portfolio of brands, adding a distinctive proposition to the upper upscale segment
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) today announces the relaunch of Radisson Individuals in the Americas region as an upper upscale soft brand focused on full-service, boutique and independent hotels that stand apart for their distinctive local character and superior guest service. This latest major investment in the Radisson Hotels Americas brands since their acquisition in 2022 builds on Choice's legacy as a pioneer of the soft brand segment and strengthens its portfolio with an offering that serves a fast-growing segment of travelers who value an immersive, one-of-a-kind hotel experience.
The Ritz-Carlton Makes Bold Fashion Debut Through Exclusive Collaboration with Late Checkout
The Ritz-Carlton announced a bold, unexpected collaboration, unveiling its inaugural capsule collection alongside Madrid’s hottest menswear label, Late Checkout. This exclusive drop titled Late Checkout: A Ritz-Carlton Story features nine meticulously curated pieces that redefine everyday luxury—elevating wardrobe essentials with a dash of irreverence and playful sophistication.
Home2 Suites by Hilton: An Incubator of Innovation and Hospitality
Since its launch in 2011, Home2 Suites by Hilton continues to cement its position as a pioneer in the industry with remarkable growth worldwide and strategic innovation
An Interview with BLLA Award Winner, Kurt Bjorkman of The Ranch at Laguna Beach
In the competitive world of luxury hospitality, The Ranch at Laguna Beach stands out as a beacon of innovation, community connection, and unbridled creativity. What was once a run-down resort with a rich but fading legacy has been transformed into an incredible resort. This remarkable journey is a testament to the vision and dedication of Kurt Bjorkman, COO of The Ranch at Laguna Beach, and his team.
Unveiling the Inaugural NEWH Structures of Hospitality Excellence (SOHE) Award
NEWH, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural Structures of Hospitality Excellence (SOHE) Award. Continuing NEWH, Inc.’s commitment to recognizing excellence in the hospitality industry, the award will honor construction companies for their exceptional methods, processes, and team management. Nominations for the program are due November 22, 2024, and the awards ceremony will take place during the ALIS DESIGN+ Event at the JW Marriott in Los Angeles in January 31, 2025.
BLLA Set to Host the 2024 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference
The Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) is thrilled to announce the 2024 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, which will be held September 16-17 at the picturesque Westlake Village Inn in Westlake Village, California. Nestled in the serene Malibu mountains, this year's conference will explore the theme "The Mycelium Network," symbolizing the interconnectedness of the boutique hospitality industry.
Accor unveils the winners of the 2024 Accor Design Awards x Sofitel at the Maison&Objet Fair
Accor has chosen the Maison&Objet Fair in Paris – a meeting place for business and creative interaction between global players in the world of decor, design and art de vivre – to announce, on September 5, the winners of the 2024 Accor Design Awards, held this year in partnership with Sofitel, that most French of its luxury brands. The event is the ideal showcase for a competition that has been running since 2016 and attracts architecture and interior design students from all over the world to tackle key aspects of hotel design.
Premier celebrates the completion of its Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown adaptive reuse and hotel conversion project
Premier, an end-to-end architecture, design, procurement, project management, and corporate engineering firm with specialization in hospitality, multi-family residential, student housing, adaptive reuse, and mixed-use development, is pleased to announce the completion of its latest upscale full-service hotel adaptive reuse and conversion project: Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown. Owned by Ashford Hospitality Trust and Blueprint Hospitality, and managed by Remington Hospitality, the property celebrated the completion of the two-and-a-half-year project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week.
200 Years of Sitting Pretty in Dublin: A Short Walk Through History and Hospitality at The Shelbourne Hotel
Since 1824, The Shelbourne has been a warm and inviting jewel of hospitality and the setting for some of the most dramatic cultural and political moments in Irish history. Beloved by guests and locals as “Ireland’s living room,” The Shelbourne has always reflected the spirit of the city around it, playing a significant role in the literary, social, political, culinary and artistic traditions of Irish society.
By JP Kavanagh, General Manager, The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection, Marriott
Hyatt to Acquire Standard International and its Iconic Hotel Brands, The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels, Expanding Its Leading Position in Lifestyle Hospitality
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the planned acquisition of the brands and most of the affiliates of pioneering lifestyle company Standard International, parent company of The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands. This move enhances Hyatt’s position as the leader in the industry’s premier lifestyle space, building on both its organic growth and a series of acquisitions that quintupled the number of lifestyle rooms in Hyatt’s global portfolio between 2017 and 2023. The transaction is anticipated to close later this year, subject to customary closing conditions.
Embracing Technological Innovation in Boutique Hospitality with Deborah O’Donnell
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, technology plays an increasingly vital role in enhancing guest experiences and streamlining operations. At the forefront of this technological revolution is Deborah O’Donnell, Director of Strategic Sales at DIRECTV HOSPITALITY. With over a decade of experience driving innovations in the hotel industry, Deborah brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role, particularly in advancing in-room entertainment solutions. As a facilitator and sponsor at the upcoming Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, she is excited to share her insights on how technology can elevate the boutique hotel experience.
Boutique hospitality and envisioning the guest experience from the ground up
In this episode of the Hotel Moment podcast, Bree Brostko, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Brand Strategy at Retro Hospitality, joins podcast host and Revinate CMO Karen Stephens to share the art of transforming unlikely properties into remarkable hotels, where guests can find joy in staying in night after night. Bree explains how brand storytelling shapes the guest experience and why planning out every guest touchpoint is part of building your brand narrative, which is key to your property’s success.
By Karen Stephens, Chief Marketing Officer, Revinate, Inc.
Exploring the Boutique Hotel Revolution with Kimberly Walker
The boutique hotel industry is a rapidly evolving space, where creativity meets hospitality to offer guests more than just a place to stay. For those passionate about this niche market, the upcoming Boutique Hotel Owners Conference on September 16-17 in Los Angeles, presents an unparalleled opportunity to gain insights, network with industry leaders, and discover new strategies for success. To give you a glimpse of what’s in store, we spoke with Kimberly Walker, Creative Director of Nomada Hotel Group, and a facilitator at this year’s conference. Her journey and insights offer a compelling case for why this event is not to be missed.
Unveiling the Boutique Hotel Owners Conference: What to Expect
The Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, hosted by BLLA, is set to take place on September 16-17, 2024. This premier event is designed to provide boutique hotel professionals with an immersive experience filled with valuable content, unparalleled networking opportunities, and innovative activities. Here’s what makes this conference a must-attend event for the boutique hotel industry.