Graylyn International
Conference Center Blog



Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Mews...A Client's Perspective

Recently, Graylyn was proud to host a Conference perfectly suited to the newly renovated Mews.  This event was an educational conference for architects, builders and other construction professionals who specialize in renovating historic properties.  The two day event was held in our Mews Conference Room and featured a presentation on the Architectural History of Graylyn.  For guests who work daily to incorporate modern efficiencies into historic properties Graylyn was an ideal case study.  The host of this event, Pete Miller, was kind enough to share his thoughts on the Mews and we are happy to share them with you.   
What did you think of the renovations done to the Mews?
The renovations were expertly done in a fashion that preserved the historical foundations of the building while also providing the technological requirements of modern conferences. 
 
Did you find the space to be a good fit for your meeting? 
For our group of 100 attendees, 10 sponsor booths and a food table the area felt intimate but not overcrowded.

Is there anything that you would change if you could?

Parking was a bit confusing and tight- better signs might help people more easily get to the right place.

What are some of the architectural aspects of the space that you noticed/enjoyed?

The roof tiles on the Mews were a major hit, unique and beautiful.  The details of the courtyard, the pattern of the cobblestones, the enclosed space, etc also impressed our attendees. 

Would you be likely to use the Mews again for your group?

Already planning on it, our venue director could say enough nice things about how helpful the staff was.

Was there anything about the space that stood out to you?

The courtyard was an amazing venue to relax in (weather permitting), overall the area was conducive to a very relaxing experience.  The rooms were phenomenal.

Did you find the color palette and lighting to be environmentally pleasing?

Yes, one detail that stood out was the conference room’s lighting, it was easy to see the screen even without having to completely black out the space and allow some natural light in. This is a big deal for those of us who have to sit all day in dark rooms staring at a screen.


Testament:
Whenever I stay in a place like Graylyn I often think of a swan.  What other image so perfectly embodies grace, beauty and luxury than the majestic bird gliding across a body of water?  What is not known to most is that underneath the surface of that water swans have to paddle furiously.  The analogy will make sense to anyone in hospitality: guests must experience serenity and comfort, but an intense effort is required to make that experience possible.  
Another major element in the Graylyn experience is the estate itself.  The Mews is, in a word, remarkable.  The manor house where we had dinner was no less extraordinary.  From thick stone roof tiles to the intricately decorated rooms every aspect of Graylyn evokes the history and quality in great traditional building.  The Traditional Building Conference Series could not have hoped for a better venue to showcase in practice what we discuss in our seminars.  
Graylyn handles the delicate balance of effort and atmosphere expertly; thanks in large part to their hard working and accommodating staff.  Our registration manager, Carolyn Walsh, was particularly impressed by their “can do” attitude and quick response times.  Kellen in particular never wavered in her attentive, upbeat attitude- we had no doubt that when she said, “I’ll take care of it” it was indeed taken care of.  Larry, our guest service representative also deserves recognition as an outstanding example of professionalism, friendliness and capability.
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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Cordially Invited....

Graylyn is excited to announce the official re-opening of the Mews!  Last week’s soft opening was a quite a success. We shared the new Mews with press and our Wake Forest family, and would now like to extend the invitation to you!! With 35 newly designed guestrooms, including new suite options, re-styled and additional meeting space, private group check-in, and private dining the Mews is the perfect location for your next off-site meeting!! Contact your account manager at 336-758-2570 to schedule a tour. Click Here to view the latest press release.












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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The Unveiling...

The day has finally arrived, and we are so excited to share photos of the remarkable transformation of the Mews with you!  We hope you have enjoyed the journey of this restoration with us and hope that you will visit soon to experience all the Mews has to offer.

Continue to follow our blog, where we will post photos and feedback from our guests already scheduled to experience this new enclave!!









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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

An Experience Not Soon Forgotten….

Over the past several months we have given you an insider’s look at the renovations of the Mews.  Now we want to let you know what is in store for guests that stay at the Mews!!  Changes will not only be found in physical renovations, but to the services and amenities as well.  While all of the Graylyn services have always been available to all guests, regardless of guestroom location, we found that some guests, while enjoying the seclusion of the Mews, could also feel isolated from the services of the Manor House.  A lot of thought was put into how to bring the life of the Manor House to the Mews, yet still give it the quaintness that our guests adore.  From this, The Mews Keeping Room was born.

Keeping rooms date back to Colonial times when families would sleep together in a warm area of the home, when the rest of the house was cold.  Today, a keeping room is called by many different names, depending on one's geographical location, such as a family room, a great room, and a hearth room.  The Mews Keeping Room was designed as a warm and inviting hospitality area complete with fireplace, sitting area, and board games; the perfect place to relax with a good read.  This space will also incorporate a 24/7 business service center complete with self-service technology to print a boarding pass or catch up on some e-mail.   The Keeping Room will also be available for convenient check-in and check-out and house Graylyn Keepsakes, a boutique style gift shop with unique items sure to catch your attention.

Just beyond The Keeping Room will be the Mews Dining Room.  Completely remodeled, this space will welcome guests with rich textures and natural finishes.  Each morning this area will offer a European continental breakfast that will feature a rotating menu with a full assortment of morning goodies; however, guests who choose to do so will still be able to enjoy the full buffet breakfast at the Manor House.  In keeping with tradition of the Manor House, Mrs. Gray’s Butterscotch Cookies and Seasonal Beverages will also be served in this area every afternoon, a sweet treat guests of Graylyn have come to recognize and love!  Our desire is for our guests to receive the full Graylyn experience, while never having to leave the comfort of the Mews complex.








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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Mews Progress Report - 2

Just weeks away from the unveiling of the Mews renovations and the changes are really starting to show.  New bathroom tile, wallpaper, and flooring are in.  Vanities and other fixtures have started going up.  New drywall, paint, plumbing, and electrical outlets are getting their final touches.  The past twelve weeks have flown by, and it is amazing to see the work that’s been accomplished.  Our new plush linens have started arriving, and we are so anxious to see the whole design come together!

The new concierge lounge is going to be amazing, the fireplace has been put in place, and permanent shelving is going up.  It is going to be such a great area for our guests to enjoy, and we can’t wait to see it when it is completed.  Our new gift shop, Graylyn Keepsakes, is surely going to delight even our most well-traveled guests.  Some of the treasures you’ll find here include, art work commissioned from a North Carolina artist Diana Kelly, tastes of Old Salem, North Carolina and Southern Cookbooks, the most beautiful gift soaps and candles and even a plush Scottie Dog to take home to the little one.   We hope you enjoy these photos, and continue to follow our progress!!

Be sure to check back here in the coming weeks for more updates and photos!







  







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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Spacious Estate Suites…A Family Affair

Whoever said two is better than one hasn’t gotten to experience the three new Estate Suites at the Mews yet.  By combining six smaller guestrooms into three larger suites we were able to create brand new open spaces.  In addition to opening up the space in the rooms we also added new windows that fill the rooms with natural lighting and warmth.  Italian tile has been imported in for the new bathrooms, and each will feature a walk-in shower, new vanity, luxurious linens, and seasonal Molten Brown amenities.  

Each suite will feature a comfortable sitting area with plush sleeper sofas and chairs; and a 42” television for guests viewing pleasure.  These three suites would provide a perfect spot for families traveling together looking for their “own space”.  Each sleeping area will be equipped with Serta Green Suite mattresses made from organic cotton fabrics, and are antimicrobial and hypoallergenic.  Custom-made furniture and upholstered headboards are just a few of the other new features these suites will boast.  

Every detail has been hand-selected by our designers to create a space that provides our guests with the perfect combination of serenity, comfort, and the quality they have come to expect at Graylyn.






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Tuesday, February 7, 2012

The Mews…A Suite Place to Stay.


They often say that history repeats itself, however; with the changes happening at the Mews we beg to differ.  Once known as the stables and home to poultry houses, the Mews, while still maintaining its historical significance is undergoing quite the transformation.  The most exciting changes we are looking forward to are the edition of three, ultra-luxurious, premium suites; which will all feature four poster king size beds with high quality eco-friendly Serta mattresses. 

The Louis Baker Suite, named for the Graylyn poultry manager who maintained the property for nineteen years will feature a wet-bar, a spa-inspired bathroom with a beautiful soaking tub, oversized "tortoise shell finish" porcelain tile floors, and a large specialty six-head shower, and comfortable sitting area.

The Eccles Everhart Suite, named for the original architect of the Mews, is the combination of two sleeping rooms.  The perfect location for our Graylyn brides to pamper themselves on their big day, this two-story suite will feature a downstairs living space, wet bar, and full bath.  A private staircase leads to the second story which features an oversized master bedroom complete with a second bath. 

The Silo Suite, perhaps one of the most popular locations at the Mews, was designed by combining the two, upstairs and downstairs, “round rooms”.  A private staircase has been added to give this suite a castle-esque stair tower feel.  Guests will enter to the lower level living area that includes a full bath with walk-in shower, and enjoy their nights slumber in the “upper chamber” that features a king bed with ultra-fine linens, and a half-bath.  A large window gives guests an amazing view of the Mews courtyard.

French inspired, with a touch of historical enchantment, these suites are sure to delight the indulgence of all the senses.






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