Rhode’s Motor Lodge, a 1950s motel that has been renovated and reimagined into a mid-century modern boutique hotel, is now open in Boone, N.C.
The 54-room is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian State University, Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad and ski resorts.
The transformation of Rhode’s Motor Lodge is the work of Loden Hospitality, a Raleigh-based hotelier known for The Longleaf Hotel, a mid-century modern gem in downtown Raleigh.
“At Loden Hospitality we are always looking for unique older properties in dynamic markets that we think can be repurposed and reimagined in a way that honors the history of the property and the place,” Russ Jones, president of Loden Hospitality, said in a statement. “That’s exactly what happened here. Our job is then to create authentic, unique hospitality experiences to highlight the best of what the High Country has to offer."
“The development of the Rhode’s Motor Lodge and Canteen brand was influenced by the property’s mid-century modern history and the outdoor adventure spirit of Boone,” said Christine McDonald, creative director for Loden Hospitality. “We strived to combine the essence of a mountain lodge with a mid-century modern motel offering 21st-century amenities and comfort. Rhode’s and Canteen are purposefully designed to appeal not only to out-of-town guests, but locals as well. This isn’t a typical hotel experience.”
Rhode's Motor Lodge takes its name from the rhododendrons that bloom each spring and early summer on the mountain and its location near the crossroads of NC Highways 321 and 221 and close to downtown Boone. The hotel has a selection of king, double queen and king with daybed suites designed by Joshua Gajownik, who created spaces that nod to the nostalgia of motor lodges.
Custom furnishings include tree trunk nightstands, pendant light fixtures that nod to tent lights, three-legged camp stools and Rhode's Motor Lodge-branded Coleman coolers for guests to use as an ice bucket or during outings. More than 38 rooms have balconies with mountain views.
The hotel also has a covered front patio with a fire pit, Adirondack chairs and communal seating. The centerpiece of the lobby is a broken terracotta tile fireplace surrounded by chairs and leather and birchwood banquettes.
The hotel’s restaurant, Canteen, serves breakfast and dinner seven days a week. (Lunch service will be added later.)