Raines Grows Southeast Footprint with New Courtyard By Marriott in Sugar Mountain, NC

Raines’ Southeast expansion continues with the opening of the 118-room Courtyard by Marriott Sugar Mountain Banner Elk.

The property, located at 3988 NC 105 Hwy in Sugar Mountain, NC, sits just outside Banner Elk, at the foot of Grandfather Mountain and Sugar Mountain. Raines is managing the hotel, Sugar Mountain Hospitality LLC owns it, and it was co-developed by Clarendon Properties and Commercial Realty Advisors. 

Complete with an on-site restaurant, meeting space, indoor pool, fitness center, bar and business center, the hotel offers the full suite of amenities Courtyard by Marriott is known for, serving both business travelers’ work and leisure needs. The property’s location in downtown Banner Elk adds to its charm, as the walkable village in the mountains is known for its cozy atmosphere, local boutiques and restaurants. In addition to its proximity to Grandfather Mountain, the hotel is a short distance from Blue Ridge Parkway and nearby ski resorts.

The company partnered with ownership on the opening of the hotel, spearheading the buildout, set up and implementation of Marriott’s POS and PMS systems. Additionally, Raines placed, received and set up all operating supplies and equipment (OS&E) for the property.

“We successfully hired a general manager, and the opening team provided all necessary training, tools and systems,” said Kerry Ranson, president of operations and partner at Raines. “Our team also handled all pre-opening sales and marketing initiatives, including introducing the hotel to the community, meeting with key stakeholders, engaging with other businesses in the market and pre-selling the hotel.”

Raines also established all internal processes and procedures to operate the hotel moving forward.

The Courtyard by Marriott Sugar Mountain Banner Elk marks Raines’ continued growth in the Southeast. Other hotels in the company’s portfolio in the region include the DoubleTree Greenville Woodruff, DoubleTree Summerville Nexton, Home2 Suites Charlotte University Research Park and Lantern Columbia. With several additional projects in the pipeline, Raines continues to position itself for strategic growth across the Southeast.

The opening also strengthens the South Carolina-based hotel operator’s partnership with Clarendon Properties and Commercial Realty Advisors. Completed projects they have worked on together include the Fairfield Inn & Suites Whitsett Greensboro and the Hilton Garden Inn – Greenville, NC. 

“Raines is excited to expand the partnership with Clarendon as both companies grow throughout the Southeast,” said Grey Raines, managing partner of Raines. “We are proud to be the preferred management partner with such a great development company.”

About Raines

Raines is a leading hospitality management, development, and investment organization offering a comprehensive approach to its impressive property portfolio and client base. Led by managing partners Grey Raines and David Tart, the award-winning company is known for its operational expertise, success with historic properties, and experience with the world’s leading brands. Raines currently has 53 hotels and 5,724 keys throughout the Southeast, including notable boutique hotels such as Hotel Theo in New Orleans, The Foundry Hotel in Asheville, NC, and Hotel Florence in Florence, SC. Raines is headquartered in Florence, SC, with a secondary regional office in Charleston, SC. For more information about Raines, visit here: https://www.rainesco.com/.

About CRA:

CRA Development, LLC, is a leading development firm within the Piedmont Triad and headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC. From concept through construction, CRA has delivered comprehensive development advisory services to support both end users and investors since 2006, specializing in redevelopment and build-to-suit projects. Projects are developed for our own investments and third-party owners and we offer experience in office, medical, industrial, self-storage and hospitality.

About Clarendon Properties:

Clarendon Properties is a dynamic real estate development and investment firm dedicated to creating high-quality hospitality and commercial assets across the Southeast. Clarendon Properties delivers projects that enhance both guest experiences and local economies. Backed by a team of industry professionals with a deep understanding of development, acquisitions, and property management, Clarendon Properties is committed to excellence, innovation, and long-term value creation for investors and stakeholders.