The idea of a personal concierge is nothing new in the realm of hospitality. From finalizing your booking to orchestrating the details of your trip, this level of dedicated service is the standard whether you’re staying at a luxury chain or a boutique locale. From the inception of The Restoration Hotel Collection, we knew we could do more for our guests than offer a few recommendations upon arrival.
We could befriend them. Get to know their passions, their fears, their morning routines, and in turn, engage with them on an intuitive level that makes them feel both deeply understood and authentically cared for. That would be our difference. But who could be entrusted with such an integral responsibility? Enter our Guest Curators.
Similar to a traditional curator of a historical archive or museum, our Guest Curators carefully arrange and conduct every part of the hotel experience, from the programming to the merchandise in the gift shop to fostering an internal culture of care.
“I love helping out in every aspect of the hotel. Whether it be making my front desk team laugh when they’re worn out and tired, hearing about a concert the barista went to, or talking to a sous chef about his favorite type of taco,” explains Jake M Robinson, our Guest Curator at The Restoration Asheville.
“These interactions may seem minor, but I think it’s important to connect with every staff member in the same way I connect with guests of the hotel. It’s all the same principle of making the Restoration Hotel a fun, warm, and inviting atmosphere for everyone who inhabits the property.”
With a dedicated Guest Curator at each of our properties, finding the right fit came down to more than accolades and experience. In order to make our new brand of Restoration Hospitality come to life, we needed individuals who possessed emotional intelligence, a high level of taste, and most importantly, a natural passion for taking care of others.
“Honestly, this doesn’t feel like a “job” in the traditional sense,” says William Bennett, our Guest Curator at The Restoration Charleston. “It’s more like a creative hobby that allows me to connect with the community, showcase my creativity, and curate exceptional experiences for guests. The Restoration fosters an environment where I can truly be myself.”
And where the role of a traditional concierge would generally concern itself with the experience within the walls of the hotel, being a Guest Curator is all about giving guests the courage to explore beyond it. By being able to anticipate a guest’s wants and needs, we remove the barrier to exploration that comes with being in an unfamiliar place, allowing them to be the very best and boldest version of themselves.
From arranging a private tour of a museum for an art-loving couple to securing reservations for a family reunions at a booked-out restaurant, our Guest Curators use their personal relationships and intuition to peel back the layers of the city and offer guests a unique chance to create moments of discovery, learning new things about themselves along the way. It is for this reason that The Restoration exists.
“For me, a Guest Curator is one of the most crucial roles in hospitality,” continues Bennett.
“We’re entrusted with curating vacations: experiences guests have likely been anticipating all year. The trust they placed in us to shape and execute their experience in this beautiful city and at The Restoration over countless options, is a privilege. I view vacations as a chance to escape and create personal narratives. A chance to be the star of your own story. As a Guest Curator, I relish helping them write that script.”
Exceeding Expectations
Our Guest Curators share extraordinary moments they were able to create for our guests.
While I do feel that I go above and beyond for all of my guests, there are a couple that stand out. I had a group of ladies who were visiting from all over the country to have a big college reunion. In total, it ended up being 15 people. I was able to prepare their entire itinerary for their visit. With such a big group, it took a lot of extra effort and a lot of personal phone calls to ask certain businesses to make exceptions. I got them a lunch and dinner reservation for every day that they stayed with us. A brewery tour, a walking tour, and a private hike with transportation. I spent a lot of time working specifically just for that group, but to see it all come to fruition and to hear that every single aspect of their visit went perfectly made everything worth it.
–Jake M Robinson, our Guest Curator at The Restoration Asheville.One story that always brings a smile is when a guest contacted us to enhance his 11th-anniversary celebration with his wife. Their two-year-old had been in and out of the hospital, preventing travel and celebrations for those few years. Sometimes, you just connect with a guest and sense a need for extra attention. This was one such instance. His initial requests were simple: flowers, on-site dining, and champagne. Wanting to make it truly special, I reached out to his mother with a proposal. Together, we hatched a plan. Upon arrival, they were greeted with their favorite cocktails. Their room boasted double the flower order, including her favorites that we don’t typically carry. Rose petals led to the bedroom, creating a romantic atmosphere. Dinner was served in a private section of the restaurant, sectioned off just for them, lined with rose petals and candles, complete with a dedicated server. Thanks to his mother, we surprised them with an off-the-menu dessert inspired by their wedding cake. To top it off, their room played a recording of their first dance upon their return. It was just as rewarding for the team to orchestrate this surprise as it was for the couple to experience it.
–William Bennett, our Guest Curator at The Restoration Charleston.
Experience the art of hospitality for yourself. No matter which destination you choose, our Guest Curators are available to plan the details of your extraordinary stay. Book your stay in Asheville or in Charleston today!
