Raines has marked the end of 2023, a year that also commemorates its 35th year in the hospitality industry, with the launch of Tru by Hilton in North Augusta, S.C. and the conversion of Waynesville Inn & Golf Club to Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
Raines' year began with acquiring HP Hotels in March 2023, which extended its portfolio further into the southeast, reaching as far west as Texas, and continued with the relaunch of the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club after a two-year renovation.
"It's been an extraordinary 35 years since my father and uncle laid the foundation for Raines,” Grey Raines, managing partner of Raines, said in a statement. "Throughout this year, we've reached pivotal milestones, a testament to our company's growth and resilience. This success is a collective achievement shared with our community, including our team, investors and guests. Their support has been instrumental, and we look forward to forging new paths while upholding our tradition of excellence."
Located in Augusta, S.C.'s Walnut Village, a project of Meybohm Realty, the 98-room Tru by Hilton hotel is an integral part of this expansive mixed-use development, which includes residential, commercial and retail components. In partnership with John Cates and E.G. Meybohm of Meybohm Realty, Raines secured the three-acre plot for the hotel in 2017.
"We are thrilled to introduce Tru by Hilton to North Augusta and embark on this exciting journey with our esteemed partners, E.G. and John,” Raines said. “This venture marks the first of its kind in our growing portfolio of hotels and represents a significant milestone for Raines."
The Tru by Hilton North Augusta is near popular attractions in the region such as SRP Park, Riverview Activities Center, downtown North Augusta, Sage Valley Golf Club, Augusta National and the Greeneway Trail, a 12-mile long paved pathway that offers numerous access points across the North Augusta area.
The hotel has a range of amenities, including a fitness center, a pool table, free breakfast, a business center, pet-friendly accommodations, and the convenience of complimentary parking and EV stations.
Construction on Tru by Hilton commenced in July 2022 and was completed in just 14 months. The project's development team included ODA Architecture as the architecture firm and Clark Construction as the general contractor.
The conversion of Waynesville Inn & Golf Club to a Tapestry by Hilton marks a major milestone for the property after its comprehensive renovation and reopening in July 2023 by Raines. This strategic move was primarily influenced by the earlier success of converting Hotel Florence in Florence, S.C., another of the company's portfolio properties, to a Tapestry establishment, a decision made almost three years ago.
"We witnessed an immediate positive impact on the average daily rate, with an increase of approximately $30 overnight,” said David Tart, managing partner of Raines. “This success, coupled with the thriving performance of our sister property, The Foundry Hotel in Asheville, N.C., a member of Hilton's Curio Collection, solidified our belief in the Tapestry by Hilton brand.”