Recently, The Beaucatcher Boutique Motel in Asheville re-opened under new ownership and with a new look. Owner, Shradha Patel, set out to re-imagine the family-owned and operated motel, The Blue Ridge Motor Lodge. For over 30 years, Patel’s family proudly worked in the hotel industry in Asheville. After Patel’s father passed away in 2014, she decided to take on the family’s work. Reflects Patel, “With the increasingly corporate nature of the hospitality industry in Asheville, I thought it was important that a small, local business not only stay alive, but also keep up with the growing demand for quality tourism services.”
To realize her vision, Shradha oversaw significant renovations to the existing building. These renovations transformed the expansive, multi-building complex into a smaller, more intimate boutique motel. The changes have created a more modern and aesthetically-pleasing experience for guests and visiting motorists, while still paying homage to the geography and tradition of the area.
The motel now offers a complimentary breakfast bar, a desk concierge service run by staff members with deep roots in community, and a beautiful exterior courtyard for guests to enjoy. The Beaucatcher is proud to partner with Pennycup Coffee as its coffee bean provider. Patel hopes to forge new partnerships with local vendors as The Beaucatcher grows, along with offering a limited bar service featuring local brews.
The Beaucatcher provides a unique and personalized accommodation experience for guests. The guest experience was designed to reflect the thriving and diverse personality of the local small business community. In the words of Patel, “when you think about what Asheville is–and hopefully will continue to be–it’s an eclectic, artistic, unique, and independent place. Tourists come to experience goods and services that are crafted locally from food, drink, performances, to souvenirs. I want to provide this locally crafted option for visitors who want a more homegrown, intimate experience with their accommodations as well.”