Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1474181
NEW HOTELS HELP TOURISTS RELAX IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN BY JULIA A. RUBENS DOWNTOWN MACON has always welcomed visitors with soul, encouraging them to grab a bite or take in a show. But this year, the urban core has reached a whole new level of Southern hospitality, beckoning tourists to relax and stay awhile in boutique lodging. When Mainsail Lodging & Development partnered with Marriott's Tribute Portfolio to open Hotel Forty Five in 2022, the 94-room property was the first new hotel to debut downtown in decades. And though the luxury brand is a national name that travelers can trust, the Hotel Forty Five team has gone all-in on embracing local when it comes to the details. "On every floor, we want to preserve the history and people of this place. You get a really good story about Macon," explained General Manager Stephan Amesoeder. "We provide an interactive experience." The historic terrazzo floors and portraits of iconic citizens mix with sleek modern design elements, like a waterfall of metal chain links depicting Macon's famous cherry blossoms. A panoramic view from the rooftop bar, Hightales, allows guests to toast craft cocktails named after Macon's music heritage while enjoying the skyline at sunset. Amesoeder said this approach appeals to far-away visitors as well as tourists in their own hometown. Hotel Forty Five has done brisk business on weekends, and being downtown is a major factor in its success. "It's a social market on the weekend, so people can stay and don't worry about being in the car." Staycations have been especially popular, he added, for nearby residents to immerse in what downtown has to offer. "Our goal is to be well-respected in the community," note Amesoeder. "We invite locals to eat 17