A completely alluring and ultra-chic hotel has just quietly opened in Auburn, Alabama, offering fine dining, rooftop revelry, and hands-on learning in this quaint SEC town. As I entered the elegant entrance of The Laurier Hotel & Spa, a team of broad-smiling students quickly took my bags and led me inside. “Students?” you may be thinking. I was also intrigued.

A hotel, spa and restaurant run by students?! Impossible.

Almost all guest-facing staff here are in a course lab and earn academic credit. Students in Auburn’s Hospitality Management program gain real-world experience by learning the intricacies of hotel and hospitality management through full-immersion training at Laurel Hotel & Spa. Culinary students do the same in the restaurant and adjoining restaurants.

The first luxury teaching hotel of its kind

The Laurel Hotel & Spa is part of Auburn University Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, a 140,000 square foot building where learning and recreation meet. Undergraduate and graduate students who want careers in hospitality, events, cooking, baking, wine, etc. real work experience in all corners of the Rane Center. Equally remarkable, we, the audience, can witness and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

They’ve uniquely combined serious college with income-generating places to dine, sip, sleep, and relax. Image: T2 Photography

Beyond the hotel there is an educational restaurant called 1856a coffee roastery and a cafe called [email protected]a multi-concept food hall called Hey Day Market, a two-story wine cellar and – opening in March 2023 – a microbrewery. It’s the only hotel management facility in the world with all these characteristics.

An immersive experience for guests and students

Not only is it fascinating for the students to interact with real guests, but the guests can also see the students in action. It was almost… high? Meta? (I’m looking here for a suitable descriptor for college) than simple not from the hotel is a state-of-the-art culinary school.

Floor-to-ceiling windows show off state-of-the-art food production labs with all the equipment needed to concoct, cook and test anything. Picture: Photography T2

On my afternoon exploration, I watched a class learn the art of pasta-making through one window and the master sommelier sort out the night’s wine pairing through another. There were as many curious visitors and lucky locals roaming the halls as there were students and professional educators.

Admire this view of Samford Hall from the roof, your room and the restaurant. Image: The Laurel Hotel & Spa

The rooftop: swimming pool, garden and views

The elevator’s first stop was not on my floor but on the roof. I was greeted with a glass of champagne and a bustling 4,000 square foot garden maintained by the Auburn School of Agriculture. Plants in the garden—all edible except for a few pretty flowers—provide fresh, sustainable ingredients for the new 1856 Culinary Lab. They even infuse delicious lemongrass into the lobby’s water and the restaurant’s after-dinner refreshment.

I would have been shocked to see such a place on a rooftop if I hadn’t seen the rendering beforehand. I was surprised that it was even more beautiful in person. Picture: Photography T2

A few cabanas and giant lounge chairs line the heated infinity pool just off the gardens. You can order cocktails, snacks and more from your poolside oasis. There’s also a world-class spa, fitness studio, and yoga pavilion to help combat any hint of boredom.

For game weekends and parties, you can rent a cabana with this view. Picture: Photography T2

Spacious rooms with futuristic amenities

The hotel comprises 16 luxurious rooms, 10 suites and six private residences. My night in one of the 750-square-foot suites rivaled most four- and five-star hotel stays I’ve enjoyed.

These rooms are designed for entertainment on game weekends and beyond. Rendering: The Laurel Hotel & Spa

I opened the door to find my suitcase had a new adornment: a Laurel Hotel engraved leather luggage tag with my name printed under the plastic box. I munched on an array of elaborate appetizers and opened a bottle of red in the kitchenette as I took in the view of the red-brick Auburn skyline. My suite had two smart TVs and another smaller one built into the bathroom mirror so you wouldn’t miss a single second of a game.

From check-in to check-out everyone remembered my name and went out of their way to make my stay perfect. Rendering: The Laurel Hotel & Spa

The bathroom had a huge tub, bathrobes, slippers and even scent. The center was still under construction (I spent the night in one of the open hotels, after all), but I was never disturbed during sleeping hours. The remote controlled blackout curtains enveloped my king bed in a cozy bedroom sleeper.

A $110 million facility, three years in the making

Hans van der Reijden (Founder and CEO of Ithaka Hospitality Partners) and Martin O’Neill, Ph.D. (Acting Professor and Head of Department) gave me an in-depth tour of the building. The architecture – fully LEED certified and bathed in natural light – is breathtaking.

The Edible Garden takes advantage of its proximity to the elements and allows more disciplines to use the Rane Center. Rendering: The Laurel Hotel & Spa

“We wanted students to be able to learn, cook and test dishes with natural light around them,” says Hans. “We don’t want students running out of the building right after class, so we’ve created lots of places for them to sit, chat, study and relax.” Watch a timelapse of the center’s three years of construction.

1856 brought fine dining to Auburn

I can’t remember a more delicious recent meal than the one I had at 1856, the Rane Center teaching restaurant. The giant-ceilinged room is modern and welcoming, and sets the stage for serious cooking. They call the concept a “culinary residence”, regularly rotating the chef. Swarms of attentive young students stood ready. “Each student’s lab is the same four-hour ‘shift’ two days a week so they can learn consistency and work with a regular team,” says Hans.

Almost all of the non-student staff are some of the best in their fields, with overwhelming Michelin-starred experience among them. Image: Mason Erwin

The open kitchen gives guests an unobstructed view of Chef Tyler Lyne at work. Tyler and his team can watch each table progress through the courses on CCTV, ensuring every dish is timed to perfection. Wine pairings were generously served by master sommelier Thomas Price. Yes, oenophiles, you read correctly; They have one MASTER staff sommelier. How big is this problem? A standard. Only 273 people in the world have obtained this title since its creation in 1969.

I love a tasting menu, but your male must have bang. I want to leave feeling full and feeling like I’ve been on a chef-led expedition where every part of the menu counts: the order, the presentation, the service, the pairings. 1856 blew me away. And it was their very first dinner service. At $95 per person (wine pairings are $95 more, or you can order drinks a la carte), 1856 will be the next busiest reservation in the South, I call it now.

All I can say is that I hope the Liver Apple is on the menu when you go. They soon change the seven courses to nine, according to Hans. Image: Zoe Yarborough

I was admittedly baffled to find all these distinctions…this charm …in such a small town in Alabama. And in a place run by students and graduates. But I think that’s the goal. There has never been anything like it. As pleasantly surprised as the guests are, there is a flip side.

Hans hopes that students working and learning in this stylish and challenging incubator will find they can reach the next echelon of catering and hospitality. They could land at Amanyara, St. Regis, Four Seasons. They could one day open their own charming B&B or neighborhood restaurant. This place is a self-fulfilling prophecy. It is both a beacon and a breeding ground for southern hospitality. Reservations are now open here.

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About the Author

Zoe Yarborough

Zoe is a StyleBlueprint writer, originally from Charlotte, graduated from Washington & Lee, and transplanted to Nashville for nine years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and enjoys “researching” the Germantown food scene.

However, things do happen. Whether you lost your wallet in a piranha-infested river while climbing into a dugout canoe or your pocketbook was taken from a hotel room, being in a foreign place without cash is a frightening circumstance that can happen to anybody.

To name a few, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express have you covered. They all have a surprising number of features to help stranded passengers. However, it is preferable to eliminate the need for these services; therefore, this advice will also assist you in anticipating the unexpected.

Before you go, double-check the information on file.

Call your banks ahead of time to let them know you’ll be traveling and where you’ll be using your cards. This helps them to update their records and ensure that your transactions aren’t recognized as fraudulent in the future. It also allows you to double-check their information on file for emergency cash.

If you require emergency cash or a new card, your supply information must match precisely what the bank has on file. You don’t want to find out while you’re trapped in Seychelles that your bank information isn’t up to date.

Duplicate your cards and keep them safe.

Can you name every card in your wallet, including the card numbers, without taking it out? If not, it’s a good idea to photograph or photocopy all of your cards before you lose them so that you can cancel them later if required loan. It’s also a good idea to make a copy of your passport, consular visas, and other necessary travel papers while you’re at it.

Take many cards with you when you go (with no foreign transaction fees)

Avoiding foreign transaction fees is the first rule of international travel. Expect the unexpected as the second rule.

This may entail your little local credit union freaking out and turning off your cards since there’s no way you’re genuinely in Japan. Just before the start of a long holiday weekend. Even though you’ve visited Japan at least once a year for the last three years, there’s no one available to switch your card back on since it’s a holiday weekend.

Even if you have a fantastic debit card, such as my favorite Charles Schwab debit card that reimburses ATM fees, it’s still a good idea to have several bank accounts (with various banks) and ATM cards. Of course, you’ll need more than one credit card of multiple types. Bring a Visa, a Mastercard, and an American Express card, not just two Visa cards. In an emergency, you’ll have several options for assistance.

Cut down on your attack surface.

It’s inescapable in some instances: you’re in the travel and at your most vulnerable. Once you’ve established yourself, keep most of your cards in a secure spot (such as the hotel safe at the front desk) and just take “walking around money” with you when you leave. This might be the difference between a slight annoyance and a serious issue.

It’s preferable to spread your money and cards in several areas while you’re carrying everything and at your most vulnerable. That way, even if some of your belongings are stolen or misplaced, you won’t lose them altogether.

Replacement cards vs. emergency cash vs. emergency aid

Obtaining assistance from your credit card providers should be considered an emergency service rather than a low-cost option. Contribution’s there if you need it, and it’s typically excellent, but it’s preferable not to need it in the first place.

Emergency Assistance is available via Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Your card will determine which services are accessible (the more premium your card, the more services are offered). However, every card product covers the fundamental needs of most stranded travelers: food, housing, emergency transportation, and emergency medical treatment. All three credit card issuers can help you arrange these, which will be charged to your account as purchases.

The good news is that in an emergency, Emergency Assistance Programs can help. Credit card firms engage with service providers accustomed to dealing with stranded passengers.

Even better, credit card providers don’t charge for emergency help to stranded passengers; these services are included as part of the card’s benefits. The bad news is that credit card companies are primarily concerned with convenience, payment acceptance, and the ability to do business in English. This means that the prices aren’t always as low as you’d discover elsewhere online, and your options are restricted. Furthermore, since these services are limited by your credit limit, carrying numerous cards is preferable to ensure enough money.

You may get emergency cash by contacting the concierge. Your credit card provider may send you a wire transfer by Western Union, MoneyGram, or another similar service if you request emergency cash. While it is possible to get some money in local currency in as little as two hours, this service is not inexpensive! You’ll be charged a cash advance fee, as well as wire transfer and international transaction costs from the wire provider (these are significant in the case of Western Union and MoneyGram).

Furthermore, banks have a tougher time approving this service than other emergency services since cash poses a greater danger to them. This service is subject to the cash advance limit on your credit card, as well as other restrictions.

The replacement of an emergency card is precisely what it sounds like: A replacement card will be provided to your hotel or guest home by fast courier within 48 hours. You won’t be charged for the card replacement service, but you’ll almost always be charged $50 for delivery.

Consider the following scenario: you were pickpocketed on the train and are now trapped in an unfamiliar city without your wallet or money. Your credit card provider comes to the rescue with only one call to the concierge! You’re put up in a 4-star hotel with a restaurant and a gift store, both of which accept credit cards for transactions. They’ll send a vehicle to pick you up, which will be invoiced to your room. You’ll have everything you need, but it won’t be cheap – everything will be billed to your credit card. Your bank won’t let you withdraw emergency cash (only for emergency purchases), but 48 hours later, a new card arrives, along with a $50 delivery fee for each. It was a lot more costly than you had anticipated, but your trip was not wrecked, and you’ll joke about it afterward.

How to Obtain Assistance

• You may receive assistance by calling the following phone numbers:
• Visa (toll-free): 1-800-VISA-911 (1-800-847-2911)
• 1-800-MCASSIST (Mastercard) (1-800-622-7747)
• American Express (AMEX) Call 1-800-964-8542 for replacement cards. In the case of Global Assist, which may get aid with emergency funds by calling 1-800-554-2639.

All these numbers are toll-free in the United States. They are unavailable when phoning from outside the United States, but Skype is a workaround! Even when calling from abroad, you may use Skype to contact toll-free lines in the United States for free. Skype’s phone robots may be annoying, so it’s better to call 0 until you reach a person.

Local numbers are also available from Visa, Mastercard, and American Express in numerous countries across the globe. It’s not a terrible idea to inquire about the local phone number of the area (or countries) where you’ll be going ahead of time. You may then contact for assistance from a local phone.

Don’t expect your bank to arrive in a helicopter to save the day despite the advertisements. Instead, anticipate them to provide a restricted range of services for stranded tourists or those who need medical attention. They’ll be quite nicely executed, but they won’t be cheap!

Accommodation company The Veriu Group has announced that it will open four new apartment hotels in Victoria over the next two years as it seeks to grow its business to become a national operator.

The group will introduce its first two Veriu Victorian hotels – Veriu Collingwood and Veriu Queen Victoria Market – later this year, while two new apartment hotels – Punthill Essendon North and Punthill Geelong – are due to open in August 2022 and May 2024 respectively.

“We are delighted to add these new properties to our existing apartment hotel portfolio,” said Veriu Group CEO Zed Sanjana.

“Each is specifically located to take advantage of important key catchment areas, which are currently relatively underserved in terms of quality business accommodation.

“Like all properties in our group, they are ideally placed to be able to offer business and leisure travelers high-end accommodation in dynamic and convenient locations.”

The new sites mark the start of what the company says will be “a period of significant expansion” for the Group. The construction of five other properties should begin in the second half of 2022, bringing the Group’s portfolio to nearly 1,320 rooms and apartments in operation or under development on 20 sites.

The Veriu Group is expected to grow by 10 additional properties by 2025.

“We see a huge opportunity to become one of Australia’s largest niche hotel operators, while maintaining a unique, localized feel to each of our properties,” Sanjana said.

“With this comes the prospect of increased business for the local communities in which we operate, and we look forward to working with local government and business stakeholders to effectively implement this infrastructure.”

Underserved market

Sanjana believes the Australian accommodation market has been consistently under-supplied for a number of years, particularly when it comes to high-end, design-driven apartment hotels in major corporate locations.

“We believe business travelers are increasingly looking for more unique and localized lodging experiences within these corporate hubs,” he said.

“Our network expansion aims to provide more unique and exciting accommodation options in the CBD, suburban and regional markets, in locations supported by the business travel segment, supported by business and industrial parks, universities, hospitals and major infrastructure projects.”

He says demand from the development community for the Veriu and Punthill brands continues to be strong, despite the challenges of the past two years.

“I think the past two years have demonstrated the resilience of our long-term rental structure and underpinned the importance of the aparthotel asset class in favor of traditional hotels,” he said.

“Our portfolio has demonstrated that apartments can be deployed for a multitude of uses, whether for medical, crisis, quarantine or traditional rental residences, whereas the traditional hotel model, such as student housing, has been shown to have limited alternative uses.

“We have now built a very strong pipeline of new greenfield properties, supported by our secure long-term lease structure which provides developers and their financiers with greater revenue certainty than traditional hotel management agreements used in the industry. “

Victorian properties

The first Victorian Veriu Apartment Hotel will be the 110-room Veriu Queen Victoria Market, located next to Melbourne’s iconic market. Veriu Collingwood will be a 95-room property with New York Soho-inspired architecture, while the 40-apartment Punthill Essendon North offers a mix of studios and one-bedroom apartments.

The 15-storey Punthill Geelong will be the group’s first regional offering and will comprise 80 studio apartments, designed to accommodate both solo and group business travellers.

“We are increasingly seeing the emergence of suburban and regional hubs comprising mixed-use development, combining office and coworking space, with dining, residential and retail offerings,” Sanjana said.

“We believe that short or long-term accommodation will play a vital role in maintaining these commercial and office hubs and will also help developers attract good quality tenants, customers and residential tenants or buyers who see the benefits of a self-contained local-center end-to-end amenities.”

Related

There are few songs as controversial as the Eagles’ “Hotel California.” You could be like Gipsy Kings and love the vastness of this track, or you could feel like “The Dude” Lebowski and say you hate “The Eagles”. But one thing is certain; they marked from their first album, coloring portraits of a wild America, carved in the center of gray Brittany.

The solos were tense, the harmonies tight and the lyrics drenched in thrill, as each note sung is felt like an object you can touch. Deeply cinematic, the band threw themselves into the perimeters of rock, rising from the chasm to produce a series of blinding licks that washed over listeners like a collection of clean, kaleidoscopic cuts.