Hotel Domestique

If you’re on the hunt for a place to vacation this fall where you can be within driving distance of Greenville, SC & Asheville, NC with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge mountains then you need to consider a stay at Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest, SC. This European-style hotel is located just 20 minutes north of Greenville, SC and a hop, skip and a jump from downtown Travelers Rest where my beloved Tandem Creperie and one of the best spots for pizza in the upstate are located. Tucked into the countryside of the Carolina hills, Hotel Domestique is like a little slice of Europe right off of highway 25. The property is home to 13 elegantly decorated rooms, a salt-water pool and an unbelievable on-site restaurant. Luckily for me this spot is pretty much in my backyard so Katheryn and I recently took a little trip to check it out!

Established by world-renowned cyclist George Hincapie, Hotel Domestique aims to share the unforgettable hospitality, cuisine, rest and adventure that you would experience on a European vacation. The hotel’s service is second to none (which is fitting seeing as how “Domestique” is rooted in the French term for “servant”) and the amenities are endless including an European continental breakfast, saltwater pool, on-property masseuse, onsite bike mechanic for cyclist, yoga classes and more. But if I’m being honest with you what I loved most about the place was that it’s just so dang pretty. Rustic hardwoods, exposed stone walls and artisanal ironwork are paired with a chic palette of designer tones and textiles. To put it simply the decor will make you want to redecorate your entire house and the views are as instagramable as they come.

As if that eye candy above didn’t already convince you to schedule a little romantic getaway let me tell you about the food! And man oh man is the food incredible. Restaurant 17, located in the hotel, is led by Chef Nick Graves. Originally from Pawley’s Island in South Carolina he most recently was at Halls in Greenville, South Carolina and has served up a menu full of Southern staples with a progressive and unique spin. Ingredients arrive daily from farms, fields and rivers””most just a few miles away. Then the magic happens as the nationally-acclaimed culinary team elevates these local, seasonal ingredients with a combination of classical training and time-honored techniques. The options are endless and the flavors are incredible. It might be easier to tell you what we didn’t eat but here is a go at what all we did.

Heirloom Tomato & Melon Salad w/ Cucumber Ribbons, Creme Fraiche & Fine Herbs

Spiced Pear Salad with Local Greens, Toasted Walnuts, Seared Spices Pears, Blue Cheese & a While Balsamic Reduction

Fried Green Tomatoes w/ Pickled Shrimp & Cajun Remoulade

Hand Cut Truffle Fries w/ Parmesan Reggiano & Arugula

Nashville Hot Chicken w/ Crispy Potato Salad, White Break & Pickles

Duck w/ Roasted Gourd, Pickled Red Onion Salsa & Plum Jam

+ Champagne Cocktails + Desserts + Cappuccinos + Unbuttoned Pants & Food Comas

If you are interested in booking a stay at Hotel Domestique you can browse by room and floor plan or by their getaway packages. And you don’t have to be a guest to eat at Restaurant 17. Their cafe is open from 7am-5pm daily and they serve dinner 5-9 Tuesday through Thursday and 5-9:30 Friday through Saturday. If you go let me know on instagram or facebook how you like it!

Photos by Katheryn Blythe. This post is in partnership with Hotel Domestique. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.