The Colony House Motor Lodge, one of Roanoke's most distinctive mid-century modern landmarks, announced the appointment of Joy Barlow as general manager. Barlow will oversee all operations at the 67-room boutique property, which officially reopened in August 2025 following a multi-million-dollar restoration that preserved its iconic Googie-style architecture while introducing modern hospitality amenities.
After closing more than nine years ago, the Colony House Motor Lodge, one of Roanoke's most distinctive mid-century modern landmarks, has officially reopened following a multi-million-dollar restoration. Originally opened in 1959 in the bold Googie-style and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2023, the property is now a fully reimagined boutique destination that merges retro flair with modern hospitality.
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Larry Johnson director of finance for Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in Roanoke, Virginia. Hotel Roanoke is a part of Curio - A Collection by Hilton. Brian Wells, general manager, made the announcement. “I am very happy to welcome Larry to our property,” said Mr. Wells. “He comes to us with important experience in hotel finance, gained in several leadership positions across multiple hotels. We look forward to his active participation as part of our executive team.” Larry Johnson brings years of experience in hotel finance to his new position with Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. He was previously director of finance for the Hilton Durham in his native state of North Carolina. During his tenure there Mr. Johnson was twice honored with the Director of Finance of the Year Award by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, which manages the property. He also held a seat on the company’s Finance Council. Johnson has served as director of finance for Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Research Triangle, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Golf Resort and Conference Center, and Durham Marriott City Center. Mr. Johnson is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has relocated to Roanoke.
Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) All Suites portfolio, announced today its newest property, Home2 Suites by Hilton Roanoke. Designed for travelers who want to maintain their normal routine, the hotel features 121 suites and a range of value, tech-focused and eco-conscious amenities. Home2 Suites by Hilton Roanoke anchors the Blue Ridge Parkway, the most visited site in the National Park System*.
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Brian R. Wells general manager for The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, which is part of Curio - A Collection by Hilton. Brian Wells brings 25 years of exemplary leadership experience as general manager, in food and beverage and within property operations to his new position at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. He was most recently general manager for the Hilton Durham located in Durham, North Carolina. During his tenure there, the hotel received numerous awards of excellence from the Hilton brand and TripAdvisor among many others. Mr. Wells has also served as area general manager for the Nathan Hale Inn & Conference Center, a full-service hotel complementing the University of Connecticut, and as task force general manager for the Sheraton Colonial of Wakefield, Massachusetts.
In demonstrating its dedication as one of the finest southwest Virginia wedding and meeting destinations, The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, a Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, has named Lauren Sells Walker the director of catering at the historic property.