Raines Ushers in New Era with Tru by Hilton Launch in North Augusta, SC, and Waynesville Inn & Golf Club’s Tapestry Conversion

FLORENCE, SC — January 11, 2024 — Raines has marked the end of an eventful 2023, a year that also commemorates its 35th year in the hospitality industry, with the launch of Tru by Hilton in North Augusta, SC, and the conversion of Waynesville Inn & Golf Club to Tapestry Collection by Hilton, showcasing a year brimming with milestones.

Raines’ momentous year began with acquiring HP Hotels in March 2023, which extended its portfolio further into the southeast, reaching as far west as Texas, continued with the relaunch of the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club after a two-year renovation, and saw a series of key team promotions and new hires.

“It’s been an extraordinary 35 years since my father and uncle laid the foundation for Raines,” said Grey Raines, managing partner of Raines. “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.”

Tru by Hilton Launches in North Augusta, SC, Enhancing the Dynamic Walnut Village Development

Located in Augusta’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 encompasses 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. The 70-acre development has also seen the completion of key projects such as the ER at Sweetwater and the Your Storage self-storage facility

“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.”

Located off Exit 5 on I-20 and US Highway 25, the 98-room Tru by Hilton North Augusta is situated near popular attractions in the region such as SRP Park, Riverview Activities Center, Downtown North Augusta, Sage Valley Golf Club, and Augusta National; it’s also a mere four-minute drive from the Greeneway Trail, a 12-mile long paved pathway that offers numerous access points across the North Augusta area.

The hotel offers 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 pairing of Tru by Hilton North Augusta with Hyatt Place Augusta, just a 15-minute drive apart from one another, reflects Raines’ vision of providing diverse lodging options to accommodate the preferences of various travelers. The hotel’s opening creates employment for 20 local residents, playing a pivotal role in fostering job creation and economic development.

Waynesville Inn & Golf Club’s Transformation Into a Tapestry Collection by Hilton Property

The conversion of Waynesville Inn & Golf Club to a Tapestry by Hilton marks a major milestone for the property, particularly 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, SC, 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 (ADR), 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, NC, a member of Hilton’s Curio Collection, solidified our belief in the Tapestry by Hilton brand.”

This conversion not only reflects Raines’ ability to navigate challenges in the hospitality industry but also aligns with a broader initiative to expand its Hilton portfolio of properties. The strategic location of the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club, just a short 30-minute drive from The Foundry Hotel, creates a synergy that will enhance the Hilton brand’s presence in the region.

“In a challenging environment for the hospitality industry, this conversion underscores our commitment to growth and providing unparalleled experiences for our guests,” Tart said. “We are confident that Tapestry by Hilton will elevate the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club to new heights, ensuring our guests have memorable stays.”

About Raines

Raines is one of the leading hospitality management, development, and investment organizations offering a comprehensive approach to its impressive property portfolio and client base. Led by managing partners, Grey Raines and David Tart, the award-winning company is known for its operational experience, success with historic properties, and expertise with the world’s leading brands, such as Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Choice, IHG and Wyndham. Featuring a variety of properties, including notable boutique hotels, The Foundry Hotel in Asheville, NC and Hotel Florence in Florence, SC, Raines currently has 43 hotels and 4,386 keys throughout the Southeast. Within the Raines organization, a variety of specialty divisions offer curated and strategic programming, including Woven, a boutique hotel sector, and Array, which specializes in commercial real estate and office properties. Raines is headquartered in Florence, SC, with a secondary regional office in Charleston, SC.