“Hospitality for us is taking care of our guests and providing them with a high level of personalized service that they won’t get at your standard hotel,” says General Manager John Zellers. “Because we are a small property we can take the extra time to really get to know our guests and help them explore everything that Asheville and the surrounding area has to offer.”
For Elevation Lofts Hotel, hospitality isn’t just about providing accommodation; it’s about crafting an experience that resonates with guests on a personal level. With a focus on genuine connections, the hotel’s small size allows for an intimate, tailored approach. By taking the time to truly understand guests, the staff can guide them through an exploration of the area’s hidden gems and unique offerings.
Check out our full Q&A with Zellers below…
What is your company’s relationship with the community?
We tried to use local business whenever possible in both the construction and renovation of the building and in the day to day operations. We use a local design firm for interior design, local coffee company, local tea company and a local dog biscuit company. All of our cutting boards in the units were also made by a local company. We are also sponsoring local organizations and events like the Blue Ridge Orchestra, Blue Ridge Bicycle Club and Blue Ridge Pride.
What does “hospitality” mean to you?
Hospitality for us is taking care of our guests and providing them with a high level of personalized service that they won’t get at your standard hotel. Because we are a small property we can take the extra time to really get to know our guests and help them explore everything that Asheville and the surrounding area has to offer.
What experiences do you strive to create for your customers?
We strive to create an experience that no one else can offer. Our guest’s are not looking for a “cookie-cutter” hotel, they are looking for something special. We want to create that experience for them by offering a unique, upscale product that they can’t find anywhere else. We offer personal recommendations of places that we, as locals, like to visit. We also love to celebrate with our guests. If we know they are celebrating a special occasion with us, we will be sure to put things in the room so they can enjoy their time while staying with us.
What do you enjoy most about working in your industry?
I enjoy the day to day life of the hospitality industry. Everyday there is something different happening which means you are never bored. I also enjoy meeting our guests from all around the world. Travel opens up the world and talking to a guest about where they are from or about the places they have visited is always so interesting.
Through your experiences, what have you learned about customer service?
I have learned that you never know what someone else is going through so you need to have a little patience sometimes.
How did you come up with your idea or concept for your business? How did you decide on a name?
The first time John and Ann Campbell saw the building at 52 Broadway Street in Asheville they knew they had an opportunity to do something special. Massive brick walls, wooden beams, large windows, bright spaces and just the right scale provided the ideal location for an art gallery and arts focused hotel. After purchasing the building in 2018 and completing an extensive renovation, they opened Elevation Lofts in 2021.
Constructed in 1913, 52 Broadway Street was home to numerous auto dealerships through the 1940s. In 1944, Farmer’s Federation, the region’s primary organized agricultural cooperative, moved into the building and stayed until the 1960s. After that, the building served as retail and residential space and eventually fell into disrepair. It is part of the National Register Historic District in downtown Asheville. The result is a meticulously updated historic shell with a completely modern and extremely comfortable art gallery and living space, all created while preserving and making visible the building’s materials, including the original brick and timber framing. The completed project received a Griffin Award from the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County for its outstanding contribution to historic preservation and a Historic Preservation Citation Award from the American Institute of Architects.
What makes your business unique in its field?
We are offering high end apartment style hotel units, located in a historic downtown building featuring exposed brick and woodwork, soaring ceilings and hardwood floors. We also have our own art gallery on the first and second floors of our building and all the artwork in our units comes from the gallery.
How many employees do you have? And what qualities do you look for when hiring?
We have two full time staff members and several contracted cleaners. When hiring I am looking for the person who has an eye for detail and someone who can work independently. Being a high end property, our guests have high expectations and we want to ensure that we are meeting those expectations with a high level or service and cleanliness.
Why did you decide to join the Chamber?
We wanted to be involved in the community.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your business?
We are also dog friendly!