Tag: Cyclist Friendly

If you’re anything like me, you enjoy plopping your bike in the car and heading out somewhere on a cycling trip. However, the problem arises frequently about where to stay during your trip. Most hotels are not setup to accommodate cyclists and their specific needs.

Short of a basic room with probably no more than a continental breakfast on offer, a cyclist can feel out of place. And if in the rare circumstance, you have a need to fix or adjust something on your bike, then you have to hunt down a bike shop and that’s in addition to finding a route to ride. But a bike-friendly hotel like George Hicapie’s Hotel Domestique addresses all those items and more.

What Makes Up a Cyclist-Friendly Hotel?

It turns out there are several bicycle/cyclist-friendly hotels throughout the United States as well as in Europe. However, George Hincapie’s Hotel Domestique is probably the most well-known. He is a former pro cyclist who won many races and a stage in the Tour de France. When he retired, he returned to the U.S. state where he grew up and opened this hotel.

But what makes a hotel bicycle-friendly? Many elements, actually. According to an internet listing called “Bike Friendly Hotels of North America,” a hotel geared toward cyclists should have these elements:

• bikes for adults and kids
• bike share station or rentals within 1 block
• fix-it stations on-site
• secure bike parking
• bike maps
• located within a block of protected bike lanes or paths
• Concierge / host recommends low-stress and scenic rides
• Concierge / host recommends local businesses
• Concierge / host knows the location of nearby bike shops

What Makes Hincapie’s Hotel Domestique Unique?

Hotel Domestique is a hotel inspired by the European style and luxury that the former pro cyclist experienced in his travels. That means the hotel focuses on providing an experience that equals or even surpasses that hospitality.

The hotel’s website describes the interior of the hotel as follows: “Old-world materials like hand-hewn beams and iron are paired with luxurious designer upholstery, textiles and accessories. An exceptional collection of contemporary regional art lines the hotel’s walls. The result is a rare balance that delights guests—while making them feel perfectly at home.”

Based not far from Asheville, NC and Greenville, SC, the hotel has excellent views of the mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. While the lodgings are luxurious and the food served by the hotel restaurant is top-notch, guests come to partake in the many activities the region has available, such as road cycling, hiking, golf, and fishing.

A Luxury Hotel is Nice But How’s the Cycling

While the other activities mentioned above are fine, most people come because they know about George Hincapie and his hotel. But, more than anything, they come to cycle the roads in and around the Blue Ridge Mountains where Hincapie spent lots of time training for races.

If road cycling in the area is, indeed, why you’ve picked the hotel, then you’re in good hands. The staff will either supply guides to take you around the area individually or as part of a group.

You can even access GPS bike computers with the routes Hincapie uses on his training rides. But if you’re more of a gravel rider or mountain biker, the hotel also caters to those needs. The hotel staff will even supply you with SAG and mechanical support for an additional $450.

Cost of Stay And Other Amenities at Hotel Domestique

If you want to stay at Hotel Domestique, you can make a reservation on the hotel’s website. But a stay at Hincapie’s hotel isn’t cheap. A room for two, for instance, will set you back $389.00 a night.

That price gives you access to the hotel restaurant called 17, massages, pool, and other amenities. It also includes access to concierge services that will help organize a stay that is built around your cycling adventure.

Last Thoughts

Hotel Domestique is located in Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina. While a stay at the hotel isn’t cheap, if you’re a cyclist seeking excellent riding with a central place to relax at the end of the day, it’s worth the investment.

You won’t be just another guest passing through. You’ll be treated with a high level of hospitality while enjoying access to lots of great activities, including cycling, excellent food, and luxurious, European-style accommodations. So, take the plunge and enjoy a unique experience. You may even bump into George Hincapie in the lobby.