Having invested in 38 states, and with properties including the recently revamped Adolphus Hotel in Dallas to the eclectic Laylow in Honolulu (plus a full pipeline of acquisitions and new developments), Jim Merkel, CEO of Rockbridge Capital, knows a thing or two about hotels. We asked him for three insights he shared during the Investment 101: Straight Talk from Clients panel.
Successful collaborations are a two-way street
Be both strong and flexible. There are a lot of different ways to execute; try to facilitate teamwork and the best solution.
Sometimes a roadblock can offer an interesting solution
At Cliff House in Ogunquit, Maine, we were focused on adding meeting and event space to the hotel, but the local community was not developer-friendly. Therefore, we added a floor above the indoor pool that enabled us to add a 5,000-square-foot ballroom to the property that has a sweeping view of the Atlantic Ocean. We developed a great ballroom in less time for less cost.
For designers, your best (or worst) PR is your last project
We find collaborators by word of mouth and research. If we see a great project, we want to find out who did it.
From locally based Swoon the Studio, the Adolphus Hotel’s plush lobby is wrapped in wood.
The chic Rare Bird restaurant crowns the Noelle hotel in Nashville, with a design courtesy of local firm DAAD.
