The idea of a personal concierge isn’t new in hospitality. From confirming reservations to planning itineraries, this level of service exists across both luxury hotels and boutique properties. However, from the very beginning of The Restoration Hotel Collection, we believed hospitality could go further.
Rather than offering a short list of recommendations, we wanted something deeper. We wanted to truly know our guests. Their passions. Their routines. Even the small details that shape how they experience a place. By doing so, we could engage with them intuitively and create stays that feel both deeply understood and genuinely cared for.
That vision became our difference. The question then became: who could bring it to life?
Enter our Guest Curators.
What Is a Guest Curator?
Much like a curator in a museum or historical archive, a Guest Curator carefully shapes an experience. At The Restoration, that means thoughtfully guiding every element of a guest’s stay.
From programming and partnerships to in-house culture and curated merchandise, Guest Curators influence how the hotel feels, not just how it functions. Their role bridges service, creativity, and care.
“I love helping out in every aspect of the hotel,” says our Guest Curator at The Restoration Asheville.
“Whether it’s making my front desk team laugh after a long day, talking with a barista about a concert, or chatting with a sous chef about tacos, it all matters.”
He continues, “These moments may seem small. However, connecting with every staff member the same way I connect with guests helps create a warm, inviting environment for everyone.”
Choosing the Right People
Each Restoration property has a dedicated Guest Curator. Finding the right fit requires more than experience alone.
To bring Restoration Hospitality to life, we look for individuals with emotional intelligence, refined taste, and a genuine passion for caring for others. Above all, Guest Curators must value connection.
“Honestly, this doesn’t feel like a traditional job,” says our Guest Curator at The Restoration Charleston.
“It feels more like a creative outlet. I get to connect with the community, express creativity, and curate meaningful experiences. The Restoration allows me to be myself.”
Beyond the Hotel Walls
While a traditional concierge often focuses on what happens inside the hotel, a Guest Curator does the opposite. Their goal is to empower guests to explore beyond it.
By anticipating needs before they’re voiced, Guest Curators remove the friction of being somewhere unfamiliar. As a result, guests feel confident exploring the city in their own way.
From arranging private museum tours for art lovers to securing hard-to-get reservations for family reunions, Guest Curators use intuition and relationships to unlock experiences that feel personal and rare.
In doing so, they help guests discover more than a city. They help them discover something about themselves.
That’s why The Restoration exists.
Curating Moments That Matter
“For me, Guest Curator is one of the most important roles in hospitality,” Bennett explains.
“We’re entrusted with vacations guests may have anticipated all year. That trust is a privilege.”
He adds, “Vacations allow people to step out of routine and create personal narratives. As a Guest Curator, I love helping guests write that story.”
Exceeding Expectations: Real Guest Stories
Our Guest Curators regularly create extraordinary moments. Some stand out more than others.
He recalls a college reunion of fifteen women visiting from across the country. He planned their entire itinerary from start to finish.
“I handled every reservation,” he says. “Lunches, dinners, brewery tours, walking tours, even a private hike with transportation. It took countless phone calls and a lot of coordination.”
In the end, every detail came together seamlessly. Hearing that the experience exceeded expectations made the effort worthwhile.
William shares a story that still brings a smile.
A guest reached out to enhance an 11th anniversary celebration. The couple hadn’t been able to travel for years due to their toddler’s medical challenges. From the start, William sensed the need for extra care.
Although the initial requests were simple, he wanted to do more. After connecting with the guest’s mother, they planned a surprise.
Upon arrival, the couple was greeted with their favorite cocktails. Their room featured double the floral arrangements, including personal favorites. Rose petals led to the bedroom. Dinner took place in a private, candle-lit section of the restaurant with a dedicated server. An off-menu dessert inspired by their wedding cake followed.
When they returned to their room, their first-dance song played softly.
“It was just as rewarding to create the experience as it was for them to live it,” William says.
Experience Restoration Hospitality
The art of hospitality lives in moments like these. It’s felt in anticipation, care, and connection.
No matter which destination you choose, our Guest Curators are ready to shape an extraordinary stay.
Experience it for yourself.
Book your stay in Asheville or Charleston today.
