Boutique Luxury Brand Pilot Hotels Launches

SAN DIEGO—American private investor Marcy Holthus has launched an exclusive boutique luxury hotel brand: Pilot Hotels. Incorporating the 12-room Washington School House Hotel in Park City, UT, and the soon-to-launch Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé in France’s Loire Valley, Pilot Hotels “elevates authentic, curated, destination-defining properties to an extraordinary level,” according to the company.

With a background in finance and real estate, and a discerning eye for design, Holthus is charting a path in the development of historically and architecturally significant properties around the globe. Pilot Hotels will continue her quest to deliver unapologetic luxury for the elite traveler, according to the company.

Holthus, who Is CEO of the brand, became an accidental hotelier with the opening of the Washington School House Hotel in 2011.

“The hotels themselves are works of art,” Holthus said. “The design team starts with an incredible property saturated in history that transcends centuries. Awe-inspiring spaces for the modern luxury traveler are created, while preserving and restoring authenticity. The restoration is then layered with carefully curated art and furnishings, with splendid finishes, delivering over-the-top, chic, sophisticated interiors.”

Once construction is completed, Holthus taps Michael Gregory, managing director, to craft an experience commensurate with the property. Holthus added, “Michael is masterful in directing execution of every detail with aplomb and remarkable savior faire.”

In addition to Gregory, other team members include Director of Real Estate Michael Elliott; Director of Sales and Marketing Megan Witt; Creative Directors Paul and Shannon Wehsener of Paul Allen Design Group; and Project Manager Benoit Dussault.