A newish entrant in Virginia’s lodging industry is getting word out about a hotel that’s a reminder of the printed word.
Fredericksburg’s 98-room The Publisher hotel – which opened last year – stands on the site of a structure that once housed local newspaper The Free Lance-Star, with the still-available publication that began life in 1885 having relocated.
The upscale hotel proudly notes it’s near “significant historical landmarks,” among them Mary Washington’s home.
But why would a hotel want to remind people of a form of news media that is struggling internationally, with many newspapers in financial trouble and some having closed their doors permanently?
Well, says Nicole Ragland, the hotel’s marketing manager, the reasoning behind the name is sound.
“At the heart of it, we pay tribute to the people and stories that came before us,” she says. “We offer our sincere appreciation and gratitude to those who laid the groundwork for The Publisher Hotel to become a reality.
“Our hope is that we’ve curated an experience that allows our guests the freedom to feel truly connected. We believe they’ll find a community rich with historical significance, yet laser-focused on the promise of tomorrow.”
Reminders of newspaper publishing extend well beyond the hotel’s name and location, with The Publisher stating that developer Collin Vakos describes the hotel “as a living storybook, inviting guests to experience Fredericksburg’s heritage through a blend of modern hospitality and storytelling.”
The Publisher, which labels itself a “symbol of the community,” features the old English typeface commonly used in newspaper and publishing houses throughout the late 20th century in its logo design and other brand elements.
Newspapers themselves may continue to fall by the wayside but Ragland is confident that her hotel will be around for a long time to come, recalling the heyday of the type of media it reminds people of.
“We look forward to welcoming guests, friends, and community members for many years to come,” she states. “Through thoughtful design and a strong sense of place, we hope to inspire our guests to realize their own brand of storytelling. One that’s just waiting to be told.”
