Makeready: Crafting Belonging Through Design, Flavor, and Human Connection

By Yousuf Basil and Jennifer Z. Deaton | Travel and Tour World

Travel and Tour World sat down with Eric Gavin, President of Operations at Makeready, for an insightful, forward-looking conversation about the brand’s ethos and vision: creating richly immersive stays that feel both curated and luxe. Think rooftops and speakeasies, destination spas, and forward-leaning food & beverage—each space layered with local culture and meticulous design. Gavin’s north star is simple: build quality, foster belonging, and let thoughtful details do the talking.

Immersive by Design

“We’re in the business of hospitality,” Gavin told Travel and Tour World at IMEX America, “and part of that is creating the immersive experiences people are seeking.”

Across the Makeready collection—from rooftop lounges to speakeasies and living-room-style gathering spaces—each detail is intentional, handcrafted to connect people through atmosphere, food, and belonging. The brand’s forward-leaning food-and-beverage philosophy threads through every property, turning each into a self-contained cultural hub.

Icons of Character

When asked which property makes him proudest, Gavin laughs. “As any good parent would say, you can’t have favorites.” But a few destinations clearly light him up: the Emeline in Charleston, a reimagined historic gem that merges Southern charm with modern creativity; the Noelle in Nashville, an immersive hotel and creative gathering place for adventurous people seeking a true Nashville encounter; and The Laylow, Autograph Collection, in Waikiki, which extends Makeready’s reach from urban sanctuaries to full resort destinations.
Each tells a story of transformation—of old bones reborn through fresh vision and contemporary design.

Where They’re Growing Next (Briefly)

Looking ahead, Makeready plans to expand its presence in social clubs—reflecting Gavin’s view that affluent travelers seek places of belonging, adjacent to hospitality—and deepen its footprint in resort destinations, bringing high-touch design to destination spas and the full suite of amenities guests love.

Crossroads, Not Silos

Makeready is doubling down on social clubs and independent restaurants as intentional places of belonging—spaces where today’s affluent traveler can plug into a like-minded community. Think curated coffee bars, freestanding restaurants, and gathering rooms that host mixology classes, book clubs, and chef-led events: communal venues designed as crossroads, not silos. The goal isn’t just to serve guests, but to blend guests with locals—so a business traveler, a college student, and an airline pilot might share the same table and feel equally at home.

Growth Rooted in People

Makeready is strategically expanding its footprint with a focus on thoughtful growth and creating memorable, immersive experiences for its guests. The company’s recent acquisitions and upcoming projects reflect its dedication to delivering high-quality hospitality with a strong emphasis on local culture and luxury.

The Clayton Hotel & Social Club in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood marks an exciting addition to Makeready’s portfolio. This property combines elegant design with a vibrant social atmosphere, offering both visitors and locals a stylish space to connect. Located in one of Denver’s most sought-after neighborhoods, the hotel is already becoming a hub for both relaxation and social interaction.

Looking ahead, the Greenleigh Hotel in Houston is set to debut in May 2026. This 300-room property will be a standout in the city, offering 15,000 square feet of meeting space, perfect for business events, conferences, and social gatherings. One of the hotel’s highlights will be its fifth-floor rooftop oasis, offering sweeping views and an inviting space for guests to unwind. In addition, the Greenleigh will feature a celebrity-led restaurant concept, bringing a new level of culinary experience to Houston’s vibrant dining scene.

Makeready’s forward-looking approach continues with plans for The Merchant in Columbus, Ohio, set to open in 2027. This ultra-luxury hotel will redefine the city’s hospitality landscape, becoming Columbus’ first property of its kind. The Merchant will boast a spa, fitness center, and a social club, all designed with impeccable attention to detail to cater to discerning travelers. The ground floor will house a celebrity chef restaurant, ensuring guests can enjoy world-class dining right on site.

With these carefully curated projects, Makeready is shaping a future where thoughtful design, luxury, and local culture meet to create unforgettable experiences for travelers. The company’s expansion is a clear reflection of its commitment to quality and community, ensuring every new property enhances the destination it calls home.

And while growth continues, Gavin remains grounded in what truly sustains hospitality: people. “Our cornerstone are our people, and that is truly hospitality. If you take care of your people, they will take care of your guests, and then you’ve created the perfect recipe.”

In the end, Makeready’s formula is straightforward: start with people, design for immersion, and build places of belonging—so unforgettable experiences follow.