Business Details
8 Years
experience
Luxury Boutique Hotels by Pilot Hotels
Pilot Hotels was founded in 2018 with a clear vision to redefine luxury boutique hotel experiences through curated destinations and authentic design. Our mission centers on creating destination-defining properties that blend historical preservation with modern elegance, offering travelers unparalleled service and immersive experiences. The leadership team, spearheaded by co-founders Marcy and Tom Holthus, brings decades of expertise in real estate, finance, and design to transform architecturally significant buildings into luxury retreats. With two flagship propertiesthe Washington School House Hotel in Park City, Utah, and the upcoming Hotel Chteau du Grand-Luc in Francewe combine local craftsmanship with global sophistication. Our approach emphasizes authenticity, from reclaimed materials in Utah to restored 18th-century French oak flooring, ensuring each property tells its own story.The dedicated team, many without traditional hotel backgrounds, prioritizes innovation and personalized service, including a reimagined private valet experience. Recognized for excellence since our 2011 debut in Park City, we continue expanding our portfolio with plans for five new properties over the next decade. Rooted in the belief that travel should offer rich, transformative experiences, Pilot Hotels curates stays that balance bold vision with meticulous execution. Our commitment to quality extends to partnerships with design experts like Paul and Shannon Wehsener, whose spatial mastery enhances every project. As we grow, our focus remains on delivering unapologetic luxury that respects history while setting new industry standards.
Services
Luxury Accommodations
Historic Preservation
Design-Centric Stays
Private Valet Service
Curated Destinations
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We specialize in transforming historic properties into luxury boutique hotels with authentic design.
- Our team combines real estate expertise with a passion for cultural preservation and innovation.
- We offer personalized service including a reimagined private valet experience for guests.
- Our properties feature locally sourced materials and award-winning architectural restoration.
- We curate destinations that balance bold vision with deep respect for historical context.
Services
Luxury Accommodations
Pilot Hotels offers meticulously designed luxury accommodations in historically significant properties. Our rooms blend authentic architectural details with modern amenities, providing immersive experiences for discerning travelers. Each property features curated interiors that reflect local culture while maintaining global sophistication.
Historic Preservation
We specialize in restoring architecturally significant buildings while preserving their historical integrity. From 19th-century Utah schoolhouses to French chateaux, our approach combines modern engineering with traditional craftsmanship to honor each property's unique legacy through thoughtful, sustainable preservation techniques.
Private Valet Service
Our reimagined private valet service offers personalized attention to guest needs. This modern interpretation of traditional hospitality includes luggage handling, local recommendations, and discreet assistance throughout your stay, ensuring seamless luxury experiences tailored to individual preferences.
Curated Destinations
We select locations with rich historical and cultural significance, transforming them into destination-defining properties. Each hotel serves as a gateway to authentic local experiences, from mountain adventures in Utah to immersive French heritage journeys in the Loire Valley's 'Garden of France.'
Design-Centric Stays
Our properties feature award-winning design that balances historical elements with contemporary aesthetics. Collaborating with top designers, we create spaces that showcase local materials and craftsmanship while incorporating modern comforts, resulting in visually stunning environments that enhance guest experiences.
People
Marcy Holthus
Founder and CEO
Marcy Holthus combines real estate expertise with a passion for historic preservation. As CEO, she leads Pilot Hotels' vision for luxury boutique experiences, leveraging her commercial banking background and entrepreneurial spirit to transform architecturally significant properties into award-winning destinations.
Tom Holthus
Co-Founder
Tom Holthus, an attorney and co-founder, partners with Marcy to shape Pilot Hotels' strategic direction. His legal expertise complements the company's complex property acquisitions and development projects, supporting the brand's mission to create destination-defining luxury experiences.
Paul Wehsener
Interior Designer
Paul Wehsener leads design efforts at Pilot Hotels, bringing decades of experience in luxury interiors. His work focuses on creating spaces that balance historical authenticity with modern comfort, evident in the critically acclaimed transformations of both the Washington School House Hotel and Hotel Chteau du Grand-Luc.
Shannon Wehsener
Space Designer
Shannon Wehsener specializes in spatial design for historic property restoration. As part of Paul Allen Design, she ensures structural integrity while enhancing functionality in Pilot Hotels' properties. Her expertise in three-dimensional design contributes to the seamless integration of modern amenities within historic frameworks.
Questions
What makes Pilot Hotels different from other luxury hotel brands?
We focus exclusively on transforming historically significant properties into luxury boutique experiences. Our approach combines architectural preservation with modern design, offering guests immersive stays that reflect each location's unique cultural heritage while maintaining global sophistication.
Where are Pilot Hotels currently located?
Our current portfolio includes the Washington School House Hotel in Park City, Utah, and the upcoming Hotel Château du Grand-Luc in the Loire Valley, France. We're expanding with plans for five new properties over the next decade.
What inspired the creation of Pilot Hotels?
Marcy Holthus' passion for historic preservation and luxury travel led to the concept. After successfully transforming a 19th-century Utah schoolhouse into a boutique hotel, she and Tom Holthus founded Pilot Hotels to create similar experiences in architecturally significant properties worldwide.
What services can guests expect at Pilot Hotels?
Guests enjoy personalized service including our reimagined private valet experience, locally inspired design elements, and curated cultural experiences. Each property offers unique amenities that reflect its historical context while providing modern comforts and luxury accommodations.
How does Pilot Hotels approach property restoration?
We preserve architectural integrity while integrating modern engineering solutions. Our process involves meticulous restoration of original features, use of local materials, and collaboration with expert designers to create spaces that honor historical significance while meeting contemporary luxury standards.
