Hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group revealed the first location for Unscripted Hotels, the company’s newest lifestyle brand and hospitality concept designed for progressive and creative travelers, is set to open its doors in downtown Durham, N.C., on July 19, 2017, following a multimillion-dollar redesign and revitalization.
Developers Austin Lawrence Partners are credited with being the visionaries of the location in collaboration with Dream Hotel Group.
“We are thrilled to debut the Unscripted brand in a city with a culture as rich and diverse as Durham, North Carolina,” Jay Stein, CEO, Dream Hotel Group, said in a statement. “Unscripted Durham offers more than a place to stay. It offers a distinct and compelling community experience that celebrates the city’s thriving food scene, creative arts culture and entrepreneurial spirit.”
Breathing new life into the old Jack Tar Motor Lodge at 202 N. Corcoran St., Unscripted Durham is a mid-century design icon reimagined as a modern hotel. The boutique hotel now consists of 74 guestrooms and suites, as well as five locally-inspired food and beverage venues, including a rooftop pool deck and lounge on the third floor and three restaurants flanking the street level. The updated property maintains most of its original architecture and design elements accented by bright colors, geometric patterns and custom murals.
Hotel guests can dine on gourmet snacks and craft cocktails at The Patio, the retro-inspired poolside lounge with an view of the Durham skyline. A departure from the traditional hotel lobby, The Studio offers a spin on the classic rec room concept, with custom cocktails and a lounge area for socializing and listening to music. Visitors looking to grab a breakfast, quick snack or dinner can also visit allday, the hotel’s mixed-use coffee bar and eatery located on the street level.
“Our goal is to celebrate Durham’s long tradition of good food, great music and creative energy that delights the senses and amplifies your lifestyle,” Brian Hansen, GM, Unscripted Durham, said in a statement. “We want to create a unique hospitality experience that bring travelers and locals together to incite creativity and collaboration.”
An onsite pay-by-the-ounce taproom Pour Taproom and restaurants Jack Tar Diner and Neomonde will expand onsite offerings to guests. Pour Taproom will include local Durham craft brews, as well as regional, national and international favorites. The owners of Pizzeria Toro in Durham will bring a lunch and dinner menu at Jack Tar Diner, to compliment the wine and beer choices. Adding a menu of traditional and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine to the mix, Neomonde will offer a variety of dishes including authentic family recipes.
In celebration of the hotel’s grand opening, locals can take advantage of a special staycation package, including 10 percent off a room, free parking and late check-out, by using the promo code LOCALS when booking. Now through Sept. 5, travelers can also enjoy 10 percent off room bookings, as well as two complimentary drinks at The Patio, bike rentals for two and late check-out by using the code OPENING when making a reservation.
By partnering with local businesses and resident-favorites for everything from its food and beverage offerings to artistic workshops and live music, the hotel is also set to host a series of community events and activations onsite beginning opening week.
Unscripted Durham is located in downtown Durham, within walking distance from the American Tobacco Campus, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, DPAC and restaurants and bars. Alongside the hotel will be One City Center, an Austin Lawrence Partners’ mixed-use development that includes office, retail, apartments and condominium residences in a 27-story tower at the intersection of Parrish and Corcoran in the center of downtown Durham.