Handcrafted Hotels Season 1 Episode 2 Graduate Knoxville
- TVG
- April 22, 2022
- 24 min
In this episode of Handcrafted Hotels, viewers are taken on a tour of Graduate Knoxville, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee. The hotel is known for its unique design aesthetic that pays homage to the city’s history and culture.
The episode begins with a brief introduction to the hotel by its general manager, who explains the concept behind the Graduate Hotel chain. The chain prides itself in designing each of its hotels to reflect the city’s distinctive character and charm. Graduate Knoxville is no different.
The first stop on the tour is the lobby, which is filled with vintage furniture and locally sourced artwork. The general manager explains that the hotel’s design team worked with local artisans to create custom pieces that would reflect Knoxville’s history and culture. For example, the lobby features a map of the area created with reclaimed wood from local barns.
Next, the episode moves on to one of the hotel’s guest rooms. The design team worked tirelessly to give each room a unique look that would reflect Knoxville’s heritage. One room, for example, features wallpaper that depicts a scene from the Tennessee Valley Fair, an annual event that takes place in Knoxville. Another room has a vintage canoe hanging from the ceiling, a nod to the city’s proximity to the Tennessee River.
The episode also takes viewers to the hotel’s restaurant, The Oliver Hotel. The restaurant’s head chef explains that the menu is inspired by the area’s diverse cuisine, and uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The décor in the restaurant is also heavily influenced by Knoxville’s history, with vintage photographs lining the walls.
Back in the lobby, the episode explores the hotel’s gift shop, which features items created by local artisans. Visitors can purchase everything from locally made cookies to handcrafted pottery, all of which reflect Knoxville’s unique character.
The episode concludes with interviews from some of the hotel’s staff members, who explain what they love about working at the Graduate Knoxville. Many of them mention the sense of community that the hotel fosters, both among its staff and its guests. Others talk about the hotel’s dedication to supporting local businesses and artists.
Overall, this episode of Handcrafted Hotels gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at an incredibly unique boutique hotel that truly embodies the spirit of Knoxville, Tennessee. From its locally sourced artwork to its diverse cuisine, the Graduate Knoxville is a testament to the area’s rich cultural heritage.