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Newest Auro Hotels property to open in Greenville

Ross Norton //January 24, 2019//

Newest Auro Hotels property to open in Greenville

Ross Norton //January 24, 2019//

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The largest hotel to open in downtown Greenville since the Hyatt in 1982 will be ready for guests on Jan. 30.

Two hotels under a single roof – a Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites — both of them Marriott International hotels — are complete except for some final touches at 200 E. Washington St. The complex also includes a restaurant and bar called Oak & Honey, named to reflect the nature theme of the property. Together, the two hotels bring 286 rooms to downtown Greenville.

Daniel Barre, Auro Hotel’s regional director of operations for the Carolinas and Georgia, said the Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites project is the first dual hotel in Greenville, but the concept has been implemented elsewhere.

A courtyard between the two hotels of the dual facility os there for guests to use but also available for local functions. (Photo/Ross Norton)“We don’t treat the guests of either one any different,” he said, explaining that a single staff is trained to serve the needs of guests in both hotels, which are owned and operated by Auro Hotels of Greenville. Residence Inn guests tend to be business travelers who are in for an extended stay, while SpringHill Suites caters to travelers in town for a shorter visit.

D.J. Rama, president and CEO of Auro Hotels, led a small group on a preview tour of the hotel, pointing out a few details such as Keurig coffee makers in every room and snacks provided in hallway pantries. The snacks are there to encourage community among guests, he said.

“We are proud of this place and proud of our people for getting us here,” he said. The 18-month construction project provided 246 jobs and most of them will move just a couple of blocks away to begin work on Auro Hotels’ next project, an AC Hotel at Camperdown. Like the dual hotel, the AC Hotel is a Marriott International property owned and operated by Auro.

The Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites Greenville Downtown includes 11,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. A large courtyard with fire pits and a swimming pool tucked behind a wall are also available to travel guests or for local events. Other amenities for guests include a gym and access to bikes for getting around downtown on pedal power.

The Oak & Honey has a door that opens onto Washington Street to help make it part of the local restaurant scene and not just a destination for hotel guests.

“We know that we have a premium product that visitors and locals alike will enjoy,” general manager Jonathan Brashier said in a news release. “We can’t wait to welcome our first guest and begin delivering a level of service that is certain to exceed expectations.”

Janis Milham, senior vice president for Marriott International, said Greenville is the right spot to build a dual hotel.

“Attracting both business and leisure travelers, Greenville is an ideal location for this dual opening,” Milham said in the release. “Each brand offers distinct amenities and services that tailor to all visitors.”

The hotel’s design was inspired by the nature of the region, according to the release. The designers attempted to capture the feel of South Carolina’s rivers, mountains and forests. Nature is reflected in wood tones and natural materials throughout the hotel.

To guide guests who want to experience the outdoors, a “nature concierge” will be part of the staff, Rama said.

Auro Hotels, a successor to JHM Hotels, has developed, owned and operated hotels for 44 years. The company owns close to 40 hotels in the United States and India. The company was founded when H.P. Rama, now chairman of the board, opened a small hotel in California in 1973, according to the company website.

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