CHATANOOGA, TN—Vision Hospitality Group unveiled plans for its newest boutique hospitality brand, Kinley. Providing a contemporary approach to the hotel experience that is both warm and effortless, Kinley will be part of the overarching company’s new Humanist lifestyle portfolio, debuting in Cincinnati in late 2019, followed by Chattanooga, TN, in 2020. Humanist will also include The Grady Hotel, set to open next year in downtown Louisville, KY, in additional to other lifestyle properties.
Launching in November, the mission of Humanist is to foster meaningful human interactions, memorable experiences and vibrant communities, according to the company. The new boutique hospitality company will specialize in concepting, designing, developing and managing lifestyle hotels and restaurants in America’s up-and-coming cities and neighborhoods, emphasizing immersive experiences and community engagement.
“Humanist is bringing the hotel experience back to the root of what makes traveling such a desirable pastime—connecting with other travelers, connecting with the community you’ve come to explore and connecting with yourself,” said Mitch Patel, CEO of Vision Hospitality Group. “Whether staying for a night, indulging in a drink or exploring a destination, we welcome you to come as you are, and experience what true hospitality is all about. From Cincinnati to Chattanooga and beyond, we are excited to welcome visitors to America’s most captivating small cities and neighborhoods.”
Kinley
As the inaugural brand launch under Humanist, Kinley will provide a home base for active explorers and casual adventurers, a focal point that feels effortlessly integrated into the local community and the world outside its doors. Derived from the word kinship and based around the brand’s mantra of “Sincerely Yours,” this personable name speaks to the brand’s inclusive nature—a place where it’s easy to feel connected and at home. Each hotel will channel the authentic vibe and energy of the surrounding community in which it resides, all with a distinctly small-city sensibility and genuine charm.
The brand will feature a variety of distinctive touchpoints, adopted in unique ways depending on a property’s location. The uncheck-in desk provides a place for guests to touch down without the formality of a standard desk, and items from regional artisans will be on display and available for purchase. Arts and crafts from local purveyors provide a warm and inviting environment, with appealing, distinctive lounge seating inviting travelers to sit and stay awhile in Kinley’s various public spaces. Guests will also have the option to share their experiences in unique and tangible ways, highlighting both indoor and outdoor discoverable moments found in each city.
Kinley’s first property will debut in Cincinnati in late 2019 and will offer 94 guestrooms and suites. Built in 1910, Kinley Cincinnati is located between downtown and the Over The Rhine neighborhood, providing a central location in the heart of the Queen City.
As part of its debut, the property will also have a three-meal restaurant entitled Watercress. Developed in partnership with James Beard Award finalist and PBS’ Mind of a Chef host Edward Lee, the new concept will launch alongside the hotel and will be led by Cincinnati-born Chef Kevin Ashworth. Sophisticated yet down-to-earth, the restaurant will reflect its context within the Kinley while utilizing industrial materials and natural elements that add playfulness to the space. Both intimate and communal, the restaurant will organically transition throughout the day, helping to shepherd the city’s rebirth as it grows into one of America’s great food cities.
Kinley’s second location will feature 64 guestrooms, launching in Chattanooga, TN’s Southside entertainment district in 2020.
The Grady Hotel
The Grady Hotel is a 51-room luxury boutique hotel in downtown Louisville, KY, created to honor its hometown. Named for the late Grady Clay, beloved local journalist and key contributor to the New Urbanism movement, The Grady promises an experience and design unmatched in Louisville. Each of its guestrooms provides pops of navy, copper and maroon, featuring wood paneled floors, tufted headboards, and an array of locally inspired art. Similarly, the hotel’s public spaces feature warm and inviting tones, complete with a library area and central fireplace for guests to gather. Located in the city’s downtown area, the property is proximate to the Frazier History Museum, the Louisville Slugger Museum and many of the area’s restaurants and bars.
The hotel will also be home to Wild Swann, a speakeasy steeped in Louisville history, offering craft cocktails and small plates. The concept takes its name from Swann-Abram Hat Co., one of the original residents of the building beginning in the 1920s and most prominently known for designing the first hats worn at the Kentucky Derby.
