How We Created A Thriving Hotel by Embedding Ourselves In Our Community

Together with

Good morning. Would you like to attract talented, engaged people to your teams and drive more business from both the local community and your loyal following of guests? Building a deep connection to your surroundings might be the key to doing this…

We first heard about The Eddy Taproom & Hotel from Tom Luersen, President of Coraltree Hospitality in "Embedding Your Brand In The Community," and today we're doing a deep dive into how they do this in Golden, Colorado by learning from The Eddy's General Manager, Chris Luersen.

TOGETHER WITH CLOUDBEDS

Cloudbeds invites you to Passport 2023: its global hotelier conference

Created for independently-minded hoteliers, Cloudbeds’ virtual event will explore today’s top hospitality trends, best practices for running a modern lodging business, and personal stories from hoteliers who are driving this industry forward. Register to join in on October 10, 2023, with three keynote broadcasts for EMEA, Americas, and APAC, plus on-demand workshops designed to give you practical tips and inspiration for your lodging business.

Register now

How We Created A Thriving Hotel by Embedding Ourselves In Our Community

with Chris Luersen, General Manager, The Eddy Taproom & Hotel

What does it take to truly connect with your community and create a thriving hospitality business?

After hearing Tom Luersen talk about The Eddy as a case study of doing this well, I knew I had to learn more - so made the trip over to visit them and speak with the property’s general manager, Chris Luersen. A few takeaways from our conversation:

Embrace the sense of place

The Eddy has truly embraced the essence of Golden, Colorado. From showcasing local artists' work on their walls to incorporating nods to the area's rich history, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to create a uniquely local experience.

By immersing themselves in the local community, The Eddy has become a destination that reflects the spirit of its surroundings.

Be the gathering place

Chris describes The Eddy as the "living room of Golden."

They have intentionally designed their space to be open and accessible to everyone, from School of Mines students to elderly residents. By fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, The Eddy has become a gathering place for the community, where people can come together, connect, and create memories.

Participate and give back

Chris and his team at The Eddy actively participate in community events and initiatives. They clean up a two-mile stretch of highway, support local festivals like Oktoberfest, and even collaborate with the local School of Mines in ways that benefits them both.

By being an engaged member of the community, The Eddy has not only built strong relationships but also seen tangible business benefits, such as increased revenue and referrals.

In a world where community and connection are increasingly rare, The Eddy serves as an example of how hospitality businesses can thrive by truly embracing those around them.

Listen to our full conversation now - we cover:

• Background on The Eddy [0:27]

• What we miss when we look at metro areas as one monolith [4:29]

• A gathering place for the community [5:31]

• Just a marketing thing? [7:32]

• Hosting life moments [8:00]

• Communication drives experience [11:00]

• Participating as a community member [12:33]

• How to get started [14:01]

• Business benefits [15:53]

• Staying fresh and relevant [17:49]

From our community

Hospitality Daily is a community of creators and doers. Some cool things for today: