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Intimate 8-room boutique hotel nestled in the heart of downtown Raleigh
 
 
 
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RALEIGH’S FIRST BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Peacefully modern.

Playfully designed.

Perfectly downtown Raleigh.

420 S Bloodworth Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

 
Hey, I’m Matt! I’m your innkeeper extraordinaire, managing everything there is day-to-day and week-to-week at Guest House. Along with my wife @nicolenalvarez, we designed and developed the project over the last three years, and now in month 6 of full time operations. Here’s some background about who I am and how I became an innkeeper! . I’m a designer, urban planner, creative place maker, and problem solver. I lived abroad in Copenhagen studying urban design and experiences, which set the stage for my design + city passions. And I’m obsessed with gnomes, but only gnomes without pedestals (ask and I’ll tell you why). . I had a jaunt with a few creative “projects” after graduating: CityFabric, WalkRaleigh, @walkyourcity, @thewanderbox, running for City Council, and dabbling in real estate and development. I’m currently on the Planning Commission and the Dorothea @dixpark Conservancy. Basically: I’m in love with Raleigh and helping make it a thriving, creative, delightful city for all. . Now Guest House! My wife and I put our design caps on and took a nascent dream to full realization, with a learn-by-doing attitude (it certainly wasn’t easy). We worked on everything from business design, to creative financing (thanks North State Bank) and investment, city permitting, historic approval, architecting (primarily Nicole), interior design, furniture selections, guest experience, etc etc! We committed to making each Guest House moment as thoughtful and intentional as possible. People are noticing and it makes us 🤗. As we continue through month 6, 7 and beyond, we look at GH as an ongoing process, always refining and evolving as we learn, as we grow, and as we continue to be inspired. Look forward to hosting y’all!
Ms. Addie Gorham and Ms. Irene Lane were the matriarchs of the historic house a couple of owners before it became Guest House Raleigh. We have something special in the works to honor them and the story of this home. . We enjoyed meeting with Ms Irene Lane again last weekend along with her daughter who generously shared all these photos with us, as well as many stories. . Stay tuned...
Wow. It is so humbling and thrilling to see Guest House grace the pages of @bonappetitmag!!! Link in profile! . Over 3 years ago, we embarked on this journey of creating a homey hotel for visitors and residents alike, so that we could share why we love Raleigh. It’s feeling pretty real right about now. . Much respect for the man and myth, @alex_delany - thank you sir. Our door is always open, see you again soon. 🙌🙌🙌
Happiest of birthdays to Nicole (or Niki as I and her family call her)! Figured this special day was a good time to introduce this humble badass. . Nicole is the architect for Guest House and is co-owner and, my lovely wife. She was behind many Raleigh designs like @brewerybhavana, @junctionwestnc, and @bidamanda through respective architecture firms where she works/worked (@clearscapes + @in_situ_studio). She is talented and humble, always guiding each project as a collaboration with the client. . Other fun facts: her family is Cuban and she’s proud of that heritage, she taught our dog May (Mayhem) everything she knows. She values authentic, genuine connection and loves continually learning / growing / evolving to be a better human. Love ya. . ... . 📷: @leslieryann ☺️
Drooling over the softness! We had some fun the last couple days adding peach love to a few guestroom walls. Subtle bliss! . Also, did you see our new little bedside cups sporting our smiley/sleepy logo dude? He’s wearing a @viderichocolate hat! . It’s been fun extending our design process into the guest experience - continually evolving, there’s always room for more love...
Calm and peaceful for the mind and the soul... because let’s be real, it’s hard to live a minimal lifestyle with the clutter of real life. #nochoreshere #staycation . 📷 @leslieryann ✨
We’ve been quiet on insta over here since we took a mini break to enjoy time as husband and wife. As getaways we love exploring cities and staying in inspiring places like this little spot in Savannah! This was our morning view in the @the_windrose_hotel designed by @basic_projects - we’re fans! Now we’re feeling nostalgic for the weekend and for Nicole’s #intentionallysmall roots. 🤗
Spring backyard hangs! All guests have access to our sweet backyard courtyard - perfect for sipping some morning coffee or evening drinks with a #downtownraleigh skyline view that’s ✨. Three of our guestrooms have their own private outdoor space! . Craving an evening drink? Bring back your own from these local tasty places super close by: @burialdtr, @shortwalkwines, @brewerybhavana, and @thebittery! . We’re adding an honor bar soon... any special requests? . 📷 @leslieryann ✨