226 | It’s a Long Story: Historic hotels gain new appreciation among travelers, brands

Summary: Hotel developers and investors seeking new ideas might do well to remember history.<br> More travelers today want an immersive experience not just in the places they visit but in the hotels in which they stay. And they’re willing to pay more for it.<br> Historic hotels often give guests what they crave – a sense of place, a connection to something meaningful, a story to tell, a time to remember.<br> Historic hotels also give owners and operators what they desire – a significant return on investment.<br> CBRE Hotels America’s Research reports that the more than 300 hotels that are members of Historic Hotels of America generate greater occupancy and command higher rate than their contemporary counterparts.<br> In today’s episode we talk with Lawrence Horwitz, executive director of Historic Hotels of America, about the growth in preservation of historic lodging accommodations as well as buildings that have been restored and transformed into hotels. Also featured are Kevin Hellmich, director of sales and marketing at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama; Susan Stein, Grand Hotel historian; and Guido Piccinni, managing director of the Georgian Terrace in midtown Atlanta.<br> Resources and Links<br> <br> * <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryhorwitz1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lawrence Horwitz</a><br> * <a href="https://www.historichotels.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Historic Hotels of America</a><br> * <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-hellmich-chsp-chdm-73976512/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kevin Hellmich</a><br> * <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-stein-2735a7186/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Susan Stein</a><br> * <a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ptlak-the-grand-hotel-golf-resort-and-spa-autograph-collection/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grand Hotel</a><br> * <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/guido-piccinni-7b500421/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Guido Piccinni</a><br> * <a href="https://www.thegeorgianterrace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Georgian Terrace</a><br> <br>