FLORENCE, South Carolina—Raines launched the Tru by Hilton in North Augusta, South Carolina, and converted the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club to a Tapestry Collection by Hilton, capping the company’s 35th year in the hospitality industry.
“It’s been an extraordinary 35 years since my father and uncle laid the foundation for Raines,” said Grey Raines, managing partner of Raines. “Throughout this year, we’ve reached pivotal milestones, a testament to our company’s growth and resilience. This success is a collective achievement shared with our community, including our team, investors, and guests. Their support has been instrumental, and we look forward to forging new paths while upholding our tradition of excellence.”
Located in Augusta’s Walnut Village, a project of Meybohm Realty, the 98-room Tru by Hilton hotel is part of a mixed-use development, which encompasses residential, commercial, and retail components. In partnership with John Cates and E.G. Meybohm of Meybohm Realty, Raines secured the three-acre plot for the hotel in 2017. The 70-acre development has also seen the completion of projects such as the ER at Sweetwater and the Your Storage self-storage facility.
“We are thrilled to introduce Tru by Hilton to North Augusta and embark on this exciting journey with our esteemed partners, E.G. and John,” Raines said. “This venture marks the first of its kind in our growing portfolio of hotels and represents a significant milestone for Raines.”
Located off Exit 5 on I-20 and US Highway 25, the 98-room Tru by Hilton North Augusta is situated near attractions such as SRP Park, Riverview Activities Center, Downtown North Augusta, Sage Valley Golf Club, and Augusta National; it’s also a four-minute drive from the Greeneway Trail, a 12-mile long paved pathway that offers numerous access points across the North Augusta area.
The hotel offers amenities including a fitness center, a pool table, breakfast, a business center, pet-friendly accommodations, and parking and EV stations.
Construction on Tru by Hilton commenced in July 2022 and was completed in 14 months. The project’s development team included ODA Architecture as the architecture firm and Clark Construction as the general contractor.
The pairing of Tru by Hilton North Augusta with Hyatt Place Augusta, just a 15-minute drive apart from one another, reflects Raines’ vision of providing lodging options to accommodate the preferences of various travelers. The hotel’s opening creates employment for 20 residents.
The conversion of Waynesville Inn & Golf Club to a Tapestry by Hilton marks a milestone for the property, particularly after its renovation and reopening in July 2023 by Raines. This move was primarily influenced by the earlier success of converting Hotel Florence in Florence, South Carolina, another of the company’s portfolio properties, to a Tapestry establishment, a decision made almost three years ago.
“We witnessed an immediate positive impact on the average daily rate (ADR), with an increase of approximately $30 overnight,” said David Tart, managing partner of Raines. “This success, coupled with the thriving performance of our sister property, The Foundry Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, a member of Hilton’s Curio Collection, solidified our belief in the Tapestry by Hilton brand.”
This conversion not only reflects Raines’ ability to navigate challenges in the hospitality industry but also aligns with an initiative to expand its Hilton portfolio of properties.
“In a challenging environment for the hospitality industry, this conversion underscores our commitment to growth and providing unparalleled experiences for our guests,” Tart said. “We are confident that Tapestry by Hilton will elevate the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club to new heights, ensuring our guests have memorable stays.”
