Charlestowne Hotels, a hospitality management company, has been named by Tom Winkopp Realtor/Developer LLC to oversee hotel operations for The Abernathy at Clemson.
Slated to open in late April 2017, The Abernathy will have 41 rooms, including single-bedroom accommodations with kitchenettes and living space. A boardroom will be available for meetings and events.
The property will be one block from Frank Howard Field, Clemson University’s football stadium.
“Our team has a passion for the hospitality landscape in college towns and we aim to add an element of university appeal to our work with The Abernathy, developing the hotel to serve as its own information hub while maintaining a sense of loyalty to Clemson’s roots,” said Michael Tall, president and chief operating officer of Charlestowne Hotels. “The Abernathy is a groundbreaking development for Clemson’s growth and we look forward to welcoming loyal visitors while drawing in a new audience of travelers who are interested in learning more about the Clemson charm.”
Continuing the legacy of hotel namesake Larry Abernathy, the city’s late, longtime mayor and adjunct university professor, The Abernathy will use local programs to connect guests with the Clemson community through activities ranging from performances by local musicians to sponsored book clubs and author readings.
Maintaining Clemson traditions, staff uniforms will include orange handkerchiefs, two-dollar bills will be given as change and during home football games the hotel will hold group gatherings and walkovers to the stadium.
For visitors new to the area, an interactive display will have illustrated city and campus maps, virtual tours, live university news and sports schedules/standings.
“We wanted to create a hotel that was a common meeting point for friends and family to fully embrace Clemson’s pride and tradition while also generating a sense of familiarity for those who only visit once a year,” said Winkopp. “We brought on Charlestowne Hotels because they have demonstrated success with college town hotels through a strategic, individualized approach that drives revenue and enhances guest satisfaction.”
The Abernathy will offer Clemson alumni discounts, class ring identification and a faculty membership with special privileges including occasional meet-and-greets with visiting dignitaries.
