The story of Rhea Hospitality is a unique one that's reflected in its two boutique hotels.
Founded by husband and wife Colin and Deanna Crossman, the North Carolina-based company was born nine years ago when the couple developed and began operating the 17-room King's Daughters Inn in downtown Durham.
But rather than leaning on knowledge and experience, it was the couple's shared passion that led them to develop the successful boutique hotel brand.
"We come from unique backgrounds (cancer research and patent law) and both discovered a love of restoring historic buildings," the couple said in an email interview, referring to their restoration of more than 30 historic properties. "Quickly realizing we loved historic preservation more than our day jobs, we looked toward other careers."
Now, the couple is ready to celebrate the grand opening of their second boutique property, the 45-room Mayton Inn in Cary, North Carolina.
So, what can guests expect from the couple's newest hotel?
"We focus strictly on customizing the guest experience to be exactly what each individual is looking for," said the Crossmans. "Our decor is that of a high-end, beautifully restored historic building, with a modern touch."
"There's nothing institutional or cookie cutter. We focus on warmth, comfort, and a feeling of relaxation from the moment you walk in the door."
Amenities at the Mayton Inn include an on-site restaurant, a gym and spa facility and a library, among others.
The hotel will open this week with — like The King's Daughters Inn — an emphasis on sustainability. Environmentally friendly features include a 20,000-gallon rain water cistern that will help reduce the hotel's water needs, low-flow faucets and shower heads, LED lights and pervious concrete pavers which will assist in limiting harmful runoff.
Given the success of The King's Daughters Inn — which Rhea Hospitality said "outperforms the local hotel market in terms of occupancy and RevPar 11 months out of the year" — the Mayton Inn appears poised to attract plenty of visitors.
While their focus is currently on the opening of their newest hotel, the Crossmans aren't ready to slow down.
"We're looking to rapidly expand and are actively pursuing two potential properties in Raleigh, North Carolina," the couple added. "We're also looking outside the Triangle but not yet considering outside the Carolinas. Though that is certainly a long-term goal."