Boutique hotels are unique gems in the corporate hospitality landscape; it’s a little more of a challenge to find independently-owned, old school places that have their own vibe and energy these days. They’re discernibly different from the ubiquitous chain hotels, which answer to corporate standards regarding design, marketing, decor, and brand identity.
“Boutique hotels can celebrate the local character by reflecting the area’s heritage,” explains Kelli Holt, Sales and Marketing Director at Equus Inn Ocala. “So for us, that makes it a little easier and gives us a lot of creative freedom to brainstorm what we think will work best to reflect Ocala.”
Owned by Pax Hotel Group, Equus Inn is one of five boutique hotels the company has in Florida. Justin Ford, the owner, has sort of made a specialty out of finding older properties, discovering something interesting about them, and transforming them into something new.
“He likes to bring them back to life,” Holt says. “And it seemed an obvious choice for us to showcase the equine industry here.”
Pax bought the hotel in December 2018, renaming it the Equus in June of the following year, with plans of an extensive and expansive renovation, with a completely equine-themed design. Inevitably, Covid delayed some of those plans, but eventually they were able to get started, and remained open during the refurbishments, redoing one part of the property while keeping other parts open for guests, switching back and forth until all the rooms, lobby, and common areas were completed.
“We’re huge supporters of the equine and equestrian community. The airshow jumpers are coming to stay with us in January; it’s their third year with us now. “
— Kelli Holt, Sales and Marketing Director at Equus Inn Ocala
Incorporating vintage equine elements with a mid-century modern flavor, Pax outfitted the lobby, lounge, and guest rooms with black-and-white murals of horse racing, riding, and hunting history and created a “Wall of Fame” about Ocala’s achievements and memories. The lounge is large and airy, with a glass wall looking out over the courtyard and pool, where a shady ramada offers some relief from the heat. The new vintage equine theme is embedded throughout the hotel, with murals of Old Ocala in each room and the common areas, reflecting the city’s past as well as its devotion to all things horses.
“We’re huge supporters of the equine and equestrian community,” Holt says, adding that the Equus is a sponsor of Florida Horse Park and Live Oak International. “The airshow jumpers are coming to stay with us in January; it’s their third year with us now. We had Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses here for the grand opening in July. Everyone had a blast.”
The equine theme of the hotel hasn’t detracted from attention to modern conveniences and necessities, though. Each room is equipped with all the standard amenities you find in most hotels: Coffee machine, mini fridge and microwave. But they’ve added some pampering-level bath products as an extra special touch that are unique to Equus and make them stand out from the cookie-cutter crowd.
Quartz vanity countertops, custom-designed showers with pebble tile floors turn the bathrooms into little mini-spas, and the ultra-quiet, eco-friendly mini-split ACs keep the rooms cool and comfortable while also reducing the overall carbon footprint. USB charging stations are plentiful, with complimentary Wifi throughout the property. Equus TV is the in-room television station (of course) featured on large 54” screens, and they make sure to feature local Ocala events, sights, and shopping liberally for guests’ convenience.
Outside the rooms, the hotel has plenty of other surprises and perks — the adorable “Horse Creek” pond and footbridge out front houses some inquisitive Koi fish, and the illuminated waterwall in the courtyard, right next to the firepit and patio offer a soothing outdoor haven for the guests to just while away a few hours with a good book or drink with friends.
“We really want to bring the community in and welcome them here, and we also want to let guests know what’s going on in town. It’s important to us that we’re engaged and involved in the community where we’re doing business, because that’s how we learn where we can be the most effective.”
— Kelli Holt, Sales and Marketing Director at Equus Inn Ocala
The hotel has several equine and canine groups coming in over the next few months, including the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit — and Holt has big plans for the lounge, which already offers beer and wine in the evenings. “We’re planning to have appetizers for the guests — fun finger foods with a Southern touch, like Pimento Cheese on Crostini, fried pickles, fried okra and hushpuppies. We’re working on that.”
“Basically, we offer an affordable luxury concept. The rates are reasonable, but we’re big on giving guests amenities and little luxuries that add a little something to the experience.” Holt smiles, “and a reason to come back.”
For more information about Equus Inn, check out their website: https://www.equusinn.com/
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