NATIONAL REPORT—Hotels in the South are refreshing their spaces just in time for summer. Renovations include an update to a resort getaway and a historic property:
A Return to Lake Life at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee in Greensboro, GA, has reopened following a multimillion-dollar transformation to its guestrooms, suites and club level lounge.
Designed by Marzipan Design Studio, the transformed guestroom and suite interiors have elements of wood and wicker, which take inspiration from the Georgia pines and lakefront docks, while artwork and accessories enhance the resort’s sense of place. Guestroom bathrooms have received an overhaul with wood sliding doors, natural stone floors and pebbled accent tiles complementing wooden vanities with cream counters. Executive Suite bathrooms now have pieces including plantation shutters, wooden ladder towel holders and freestanding soaking tubs. Additionally, the Fireside guestrooms have a fire pit on each private patio.
The newly transformed Wisteria Cottage embodies a waterfront residence—a bright and airy living space filled with plush seating, a stone fireplace and whimsical decor, all complemented by beams, doors and accent walls that mirror the wooded land outside. The remaining two- and three-bedroom Lakeside Cottages are set to be transformed by Black Sheep Interiors, each with their own individual design. The three-floor private Lake House was also designed by Black Sheep Interiors.
The club lounge transformation joins the addition of the new Barrel Room, and refresh of the resort’s culinary destinations, including Linger Longer Steakhouse and Gaby’s by the Lake, which all debuted in late 2019.
Revitalization of The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park Comes to Completion
Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, El Paso’s 130-room hotel located in downtown El Paso, TX, has completed its property-wide transformation. With exception to the original facade, nearly all aspects of the historic Pueblo Deco property underwent renovations as part of a $78-million-plus project by owner Paul Foster. The hotel will be managed by Hersha Hospitality Management. Highlights include remodeled guestrooms, public spaces and event space.
Cooper Carry assisted in the redesign, along with El Paso-based In*Situ Architecture, Dallas-based design firm ForrestPerkins, The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry, Denver-based creative agency The Made Shop and Denver-based Bespoke Concepts. Construction was executed by El Paso’s Jordan Foster Construction.
The hotel’s Pueblo Deco influence is seen throughout the hotel’s interiors as modern luxury is balanced with West Texas surrealist artistry and nods to the past. Upon entering the newly created lobby and library space, designed by ForrestPerkins, guests will see wooden curios and a collection of books, photos and relics.
Designed by ForrestPerkins, The Plaza’s guestrooms and suites showcase a modern design incorporating the use of textures, colors and historic references that draw inspiration from the Pueblo Deco architecture and the landscape of West Texas. The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park’s weddings, meetings, retreats and social events spaces have also been revitalized and expanded by ForrestPerkins.
