In spring and early summer, pockets of western North Carolina burst into vibrant magenta and fuschia hues as the mountainous region’s rhododendrons bloom. Amid a thicket of these signature plants, near the intersection of Highways 321 and 221 close to downtown Boone, the Rhode’s Motor Lodge & Canteen opened its doors in the fall of 2023, taking its name from these colorful plants.
Rhode’s fosters its own vibrancy: a vibrancy of character born from the camp-inspired design of this one-of-a-kind boutique hotel.
“The development of the Rhode’s Motor Lodge and Canteen brand was influenced by the property’s mid-century modern history and the outdoor adventure spirit of Boone,” said Christine McDonald, creative director for the group that owns Rhode’s, Raleigh-based Loden Hospitality. “We strived to combine the essence of a mountain lodge with a mid-century modern motel offering 21st century amenities and comfort.”
If the name Loden Hospitality sounds familiar, then it may be because you are acquainted with downtown Raleigh’s mid-century modern gem, The Longleaf Hotel. Before passing into the hands of Loden Hospitality, The Longleaf existed as a nondescript Travelodge. Now, it’s known globally for its stunning transformation into a destination for locals and visitors alike.
Like The Longleaf, Rhode’s Motor Lodge found new life in part through the capable hands of Joshua Gajownik. He paired details that nod to the nostalgia of motor lodges with refined details that make the modern traveler feel at home. Inside guests will find custom furnishings like tree trunk nightstands, pendant light fixtures that evoke tent lights and three-legged camp stools.
The 54 rooms are a mix of king, double queen, and king with daybed suites, all of which are outfitted with 300 thread count bed linens and luxury wool blankets. Each room also has 43-inch smart TVs, mini fridges, and in-room safes. More than half of the rooms also provide guests with private balconies that offer mountain views
Communal spaces at Rhode’s include a covered front patio with a fire pit and Adirondack chairs. There’s also a broken terracotta tile fireplace bordered by cozy chairs and birchwood banquettes in the lobby, a pool table and bar area. Plus, there’s a beautiful more outdoor, fire-pit-studded living space off the lobby.
The in-house restaurant at Rhode’s, Canteen, serves breakfast and dinner. They offer casual fare often inspired by Appalachian ingredients and sourced in part from local purvyors. For example, breakfast menu offerings include smoked trout and cream cheese bagels, gouda grit breakfast bowls, and Cathead biscuit eggs benedict. Dinner offerings range from fried catfish po’ boys to slow-cooked wagyu beef brisket to vegetarian salad bowls. Libations include a blend of classic and innovative cocktails, North Carolina beers, and wines by the glass.
“Rhode’s and Canteen are purposefully designed to appeal not only to out-of-town guests but also to locals. This isn’t a typical hotel experience,” says McDonald.
When it comes to a boutique Boone NC stay, this is the perfect place to set up basecamp during a weekend exploring the High Country. From a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, to football games at Appalachian State University, to hikes on Grandfather Mountain in the summer and ski days at Appalachian Ski Mountain in winter, there’s no shortage of Boone fun to be had.
