THE ART OF HOSPITALITY: BUILDING A LEGACY OF SERVICE AT HOTEL DOMESTIQUE

More Than a Beautiful Location

What makes a dream getaway? Atmosphere is a great place to start, but beautiful scenery isn’t enough. Comfortable accommodations, cleanliness, memorable dining, and attentive staff all contribute to a stay worth remembering.

At Hotel Domestique, European-inspired architecture meets the Blue Ridge foothills, creating a retreat that feels both elevated and welcoming. The views evoke the French countryside, especially in autumn, when changing leaves bring brilliant color to the surrounding landscape. Inspired by legendary cyclist George Hincapie’s travels and active lifestyle, the boutique hotel brings together hospitality, outdoor adventure, and dining at Restaurant 17.

Travelers can choose their destination and plan their itinerary, yet much of what shapes their experience rests in someone else’s hands, namely a hotel GM. Behind the scenes, a hotel’s general manager brings numerous details together to deliver exceptional hospitality every day.

Eric Poovey understands that responsibility. He’s the General Manager for Hotel Domestique and a recent guest on our podcast, Ready, Set, Renovate!  He describes how to turn a guest’s expectations into a rewarding stay by making the most of every client encounter from initial inquiries to check-out and beyond. 

Travelers Rest provides a fitting backdrop for Hotel Domestique’s blend of relaxation and adventure. It offers a gateway to the Upstate’s mountain scenery and outdoor experiences. Beyond town, the Blue Ridge Escarpment rises into the landscape, forming the dramatic “Blue Wall” named by the Cherokee.

Guests can decide how they want to experience that setting. Some arrive ready to slow down, while others come looking for outdoor excitement. Hincapie established Hotel Domestique to captivate travelers from both camps.

For those seeking calm, the hotel offers several ways to unwind, including a saltwater pool, infrared sauna, private yoga sessions, and in-room massages. Restaurant 17 provides another reason to linger, pairing local ingredients, artisanal cuisine, and an atmosphere reminiscent of the European countryside.

For cyclists, the same landscape offers a different invitation. Rolling roads and demanding climbs make the hotel a starting point for exploring the foothills on two wheels. Bike rentals, curated routes inspired by Hincapie’s favorite rides, and helpful guides direct guests to the path that fits their experience level and ambition, whether you seek a leisurely ride through the countryside or a challenging mountain climb.

A Name Rooted in Service

The name “Hotel Domestique” guides Eric and his staff in their quest toward unparalleled hospitality. “Domestique” is a French word that means “servant,” and it has a particular significance in cycling. A domestique supports the team’s lead rider and does the work necessary to help that rider succeed. The role requires anticipating and eliminating obstacles to achieve the desired outcome. For a closer look at that responsibility, watch this YouTube video about the domestique’s role on a cycling team.

Like cycling domestiques, Eric and his staff continually anticipate ways to make hotel guests feel welcome. That’s just part of the equation, though.

Domestiques also make sure the lead rider is equipped. They carry food and drink to the lead rider during the race. They may even give up their own bike in the event of a mechanical problem. Likewise, at Hotel Domestique, keeping the property equipped and in pristine condition is essential to the guest experience.

A Trusted Partner Behind the Scenes

Guests rarely see all the planning and problem-solving a beautiful space requires. Even with careful preparation, unexpected needs arise. Maintenance and building updates require the right equipment and skills. When those needs emerge, who serves as a domestique for Hotel Domestique?

For Eric, that trusted resource is Tommy Dacus and the Daniel Builders team. As a Commercial Project Manager, Tommy helps address facility needs that extend beyond the hotel staff’s capabilities. Trust matters when a property’s condition is closely tied to the guest experience. Tommy’s straightforward approach and ability to resolve challenges have fostered a longstanding working relationship with Eric. The relationship reflects the same principle behind the hotel’s name: helping someone else succeed. Tommy prioritizes guest comfort and staff routines during project oversight, and that shared mentality of unreasonable hospitality is the foundation for a successful partnership.

In a destination known for quiet luxury, everyday details deserve thoughtful attention. Daniel Builders recently refurbished the existing concrete vanities in the ensuite bathrooms throughout the property using a 6-step process. Now, in addition to the brilliant shine on the vanities, Tommy’s history of service will shine in each guest room for years to come.

Above all, the Daniel Builders Commercial Division prioritizes relationships and attention to detail. With a combined 60+ years of commercial management experience, the Daniel Builders team serves businesses across the Upstate through new construction, retail and office upfits, renovations, and complete project management. Projects include office spaces, restaurants, retail spaces, and community settings.

Commercial construction begins with understanding how a space will function. An improvement may support daily operations, welcome customers, or prepare a property for its next chapter. Daniel Builders seeks to understand those priorities and bring the craftsmanship, communication, and oversight needed to move the work forward. Building Trust means giving owners confidence in both the process and the finished space.

Maintaining the Experience

Delivering those outcomes takes ongoing care. Fixtures, finishes, and frequently used spaces must continue serving guests and staff. A welcoming property requires continuous maintenance, but it should feel effortless. Service entrances, hidden corridors, and back doors enable deliveries and minimize disruption to guests.

Hospitality isn’t reserved for the hospitality industry alone. At Daniel Builders, we view construction as a service. Craftsmanship is more than delivering a quality product. We also craft unforgettable experiences for commercial clients and their patrons. Whether a project involves targeted updates or a larger transformation, we approach it with respect for the business, its goals, and the people it serves. At Hotel Domestique, that goal makes dream getaways possible.

Interested in planning a visit to Hotel Domestique or Restaurant 17? Call 864.633.3758 or book your getaway at hoteldomestique.com. Considering a commercial renovation, office or retail upfit, or new construction project? Connect with Daniel Builders’ Commercial Division to discuss your property, your goals, and meet the team that can help bring your plans to life. Call 864.506.5546 or visit danielbuilders.com/get-started.