robbyville

Not sure if this had already been posted but saw it and though it was pretty cool.

https://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2...ists/?src=recg
https://hoteldomestique.com/

In a nutshell, George and his brother have opened up a boutique hotel catering to cyclists and others who enjoy the outdoors, bike valet, bike shop, luxury rooms, rentals if needed, etc. Looks very nice indeed!

Jed19

^Does the package include Edgar and steroids?

Just kidding!

thehammerdog

is it close to Pisgah?

merlinextraligh

Does look nice. Carmichael Training Systems had a training camp there this last weekend. I was going to go but it conflicted with Six Gap.

Bogner47

Depending on which part, and compared to NJ, yes. Hour and a half SSW. Traveler's Rest, SC. Ooof, just looked at the prices-- definitely catering more to the crabon crowd.

robbyville

I like boutique style hotels but with only 14 rooms it's gotta be a tough business model and one that won't allow for much erosion on room rates. I'd love to do a long weekend at a place like this though.

Ghost Ryder

What happened to his cycling clothing line?
Giving up on that venture already?

BillyD

If we start down the doping path, this goes straight to Pro.

merlinextraligh

Hincapie clothing appears to be doing pretty well.

https://www.hincapie.com/

therhodeo

I believe he's also involved in a junior cycling team as well. You know, mentoring them and such.

dalava

Based on my anecdotal observation, I think this may have a chance to succeed. I vacationed in that area this summer and was impressed; not only it has a lot of good roads and cycling options, but it also has a good demographic groups, empty nesters and early retirees, to support this type of business. I showed up for an impromptu group ride in Asheville and couldn't believe the amount of high-end carbon there, and most of the riders were in the 45-65 range with a lot of Assos and Rapha gears.

robbyville

Perhaps so. To add to this, their average room night is $279 which certainly isnt pricing themselves out of the mid-upper end and along the lines of many mainstream brands like Westin not to mention much less than a Four Seasons. Amenities seem upscale yet realistic. For me the questioning of the business model was based on the limited number of rooms available coupled with the probably high cost per occupied room, could make it difficult. Personally I wish them the best of luck, I really like to see niche products succeed and will certainly look to spend a long weekend here.

Drew Eckhardt 

The real business is probably the four-night biking or triathlon camps which "begin at $5,000 a person and will include all meals, drinks inclusive of alcohol, morning yoga, afternoon massages and evening seminars." with other room rentals icing on the cake.

Cyclelogikal

Yes I knew he had opened this. About 45 minutes tops from my home. Have you looked at the prices!!!!!

Cyclelogikal

If Mt. Pisgah...............yes, within 35-40 minutes.

Cyclelogikal

Still alive and well from what I hear.

KantoBoy

Yeap.

Smart people would go to a regular hotel or a B&B instead.

robbyville

You're probably right, still lot of space to fill between camps and a normal boutique hotel needs to come in with around 65% annual occupancy (at good average room rate and low cost per occupied room rate) to make it work. I hope they do and as mentioned in the great scheme of things the room pricing is actually not bad for what's offered. I looked up drive times to get there from where I am, I've never been to that part of the country before and it's only 7hrs for me so actually going to look into it!

caloso

I hope not. I just placed my team kit order.

ultraman6970

Would love to go to any of the climbing events but for how much? a loot

StanSeven

You aren't the type of customer they focus on

Dudelsack 

It's close to Greenville, SC. We passed the place all the time when my daughter went to Furman.

Derby

His Brother, Rich, runs the clothing line. George is the "face" but day-day business operations are done by Rich. George may do more now with it since he retired though, not sure. He is mentoring the Junior team though.

rangerdavid

his clothing line seems to be doing well, but his hotel has hosted several events, or rather been at the heart of several. Some CTS stuff, the Hincapie Fondo, etc......