The uncertainty and realignment of society during the pandemic forced people to reevaluate their lifestyles and reassess priorities, and that meant, in many cases, following their passions.
For former WeWork New York City head Craig Pishotti, this came in the form of a hotel collection. The Common Bond Hotel Collection—which was born in 2020—consists of a portfolio of unique properties that prioritize the human spirit.
“Inspired by the idea that our legacy is the cornerstone of our future, the Common Bond Hotel Collection melds nostalgia and new,” Pishotti said. “Nestled in the heart of America’s cultural gems, the collection reimagines the bond between yesterday and tomorrow, embracing restrained style with eclectic notes that celebrate the distinct feel of each community.”
Alongside Weyland Ventures CEO Mariah Gratz, the Common Bond concept came to life during a pandemic lockdown, as Pishotti realized the power of connection.
In fact, it was during this time of isolation without daily human interactions when the name Common Bond took form. That time, Pishotti said, proved how valued the human bonds in our lives are.
“The collection is both approachable and aspirational with a mission that is focused on the entire guest experience,” he said. “Each of the properties from the collection presents a very different aesthetic and vibe that translates into the dining and bar offerings. These hotels are wrapped in comfort, style and local flavors because we spent so much time on the details.”
Now open, the first property of the collection is Bardstown Motor Lodge in Bardstown, KY—an adult “glampground.”
“What’s special about Bardstown Motor Lodge for me is the layout,” Pishotti explained. “Our brilliant team of designers created a fluid environment that seamlessly transitions from bold and layered interior spaces to the bright and electric Bardstown Swim Club located at the lodge. The Swim Club offers locals an opportunity to join in on the fun, with daily summer passes available during the season. The club is a crystal blue oasis complete with poolside bar, sun deck and glossy loungers. There’s nothing like it in the market.”
According to the cofounder, Bardstown Motor Lodge is where the fun happens. In the heart of the bourbon capital, the property is a 35-room throwback to summer camp, capitalizing on the rise of glamping experiences.
“The natural geography is rich with greenspace, coupled with the sweet notes from the world-famous distilleries tucked away all around us, it’s hard to replicate this anywhere else,” Pishotti said. “Bardstown Motor Lodge is a buzzing and eclectic experience, with a splashy pool vibe, indoor/outdoor flow, firepits, outdoor bars and exceptional dining and bourbon. It’s glamping with an elevated sense of quality and style.”
Although the design is inspired by nostalgia and childhood whimsy, quality, style and comfort don’t fall by the wayside.
“Design is a big focus for us,” Pishotti said. “I think through our designs, we can tell a story and set a mood. From the brilliant blue on the board and batten and custom Klem beds in our guestrooms to bright terracotta shower tiles and matte black finishes, Bardstown Motor Lodge delivers on style.”
Design is a communication tool for Common Bond, allowing the properties to speak to its guests through details, colors and customization, Pishotti explained.
“We view these projects as individual love letters or poems inspired by the community and culture of their surroundings,” he said. “Common Bond Hotel Collection is an innovative and layered personal hospitality model that is one of a kind across the board. Our design team, spearheaded by Ashlyn Ackerman, is all internal. It wouldn’t work any other way for projects that are this nuanced and detail focused.”
Food and beverage is also a critical component of each Common Bond property. Former Michael Mina Chef Mike Wajda leads the culinary program for the collection and will oversee a diverse kitchen and spirits collection.
“Chef Mike will oversee the entire culinary slate of the collection, with vastly different concepts throughout,” Pishotti said. “I think the unexpected is what we can expect from Chef Mike for the upcoming kitchens that are currently in development.”
While Bardstown Motor Lodge is certainly a disruptive debut for Common Bond, the collection has a pipeline of openings this year in bourbon country: Myriad Hotel in Louisville, the site of a former disco ball factory; The Ashbrook; The Frankfort Hotel; and The Trail.
“The collection is composed of bespoke boutique hotels each with distinct designs and provisions,” Pishotti said. “The concepts are as unique as the patrons that walk in the door, accommodating a variety of preferences. From inception, our goal was design environments where guests can create their own experience. The collection is mischievous, modern and moody, with each hotel appealing to a state of mind rather than a particular demographic.”
