January 29, 2024 -- Bristol, VA - The Sessions Hotel, located in the heart of Bristol, VA, has been distinguished as Tribute Portfolio’s Hotel of the Year, a remarkable achievement that celebrates the hotel’s unparalleled commitment to excellence in hospitality and is awarded annually by Tribute Portfolio’s leadership team.
Tribute Portfolio – one of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary and rapidly growing brands – has gained global recognition for its family of characterful and independent hotels - each of which offer a unique narrative, captivating design and vibrant spaces that help foster connection. The brand’s Annual MOSAIC Conference, which brings together General Managers and Sales Leaders across the brand, continues to be one of the most well-attended events each year. Every year, the Tribute Portfolio brand leadership team awards ‘Hotel of the Year,’ for its North American properties. Hotels are reviewed for a variety of criteria including, but not limited to aesthetic appeal; exceptional service; creation of memorable experiences; and ability to capture the essence of the locale. The Sessions Hotel, which excelled in all categories but particularly guest satisfaction, innovation in service and community engagement, took home the coveted award for 2023.
The Sessions Hotel has become a beacon of Southern hospitality, with an ethos that echoes the artistic soul of Bristol. This prestigious accolade serves as an acknowledgment of the hotel’s dedication to crafting a guest experience that is both deeply authentic and refreshingly innovative. The hotel was named after the 1927 Bristol Sessions, which was a series of recording sessions held in Bristol and considered to be when the Big Bang of Country Music began. As a result, Bristol is the Birthplace of Country Music.
The hospitality complex is comprised of historic buildings comprising a 1915 grocery, a 1920 candy factory and a 1922 granary mill. Within the granary mill resides the Southern Craft BBQ restaurant and features the original working chutes and equipment. Additionally, the silo of the mill has been converted into guest accommodations. Additional accommodations within the candy factory and the grocery buildings offer unique features of the buildings, such as the original wooden ceilings, hidden stairwells and industrial sliding doors.
Curated art throughout the property tells the story of the Bristol Sessions. Eclectic art can be found in guest rooms and includes distinct room numbers featuring a label from the records of the songs recorded during the sessions and photos of the musicians. As music is the feature of the property, an outdoor stage has been erected on the lawn for concerts and pays homage to its namesake, the Godfather of Americana Music, Jim Lauderdale.
“Being named Tribute Portfolio’s Hotel of the Year is a significant honor that reflects the collective efforts of our passionate team,” said Catrina Mullins, General Manager of The Sessions Hotel. “Our goal is to offer an experience that resonates deeply with our guests, and this award is a confirmation of our success in doing so.”
The hotel’s distinctiveness is a testament to the vision of Cornerstone Hospitality spearheaded by President and CEO Kimberly Christner. Their approach — to breathe new life into historic spaces, while maintaining their original spirit — has set a new benchmark for luxury accommodations within the Tribute Portfolio.
“This recognition of The Sessions Hotel is a proud moment for us all,” Christner added. “It encapsulates the hard work, creativity and hospitality that are the hallmarks of our hotel ownership group and Cornerstone Hospitality. We are inspired to continue elevating the guest experience and connecting people to places in Bristol and beyond.”
“This dynamic and colorful brand now has over 100 properties within its portfolio, proving the immense appetite from travelers for engaging, boutique hotel experiences,” shares Jennifer Connell, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of Tribute Portfolio. “Properties such as The Sessions Hotel continue to raise the bar and create memorable moments for their guests. They are a perfect example of everything Tribute Portfolio stands for and, of course, are most deserving of this special award.”
Interior Image Group (IIG) played a pivotal role in the hotel’s design, which pays homage to Bristol’s rich history. Through a delicate balance of preservation and innovation, IIG has created a space that not only tells the story of Bristol, but also sets the scene for new stories to be told by those who visit.
“I am immensely proud to reflect on our collaboration with Cornerstone Hospitality in the development of The Sessions Hotel,” said Leslie Schultz, Chief Design Officer, Interior Image Group. “It was an extraordinary journey, deeply rooted in the importance of maintaining the integrity of the historic buildings and authentically telling the story of the “Bristol Sessions”. Meticulously tying together three
distinct structures, we aimed to ensure that each element resonated with Bristol’s rich heritage. To see this project now standing as the number one property in Marriott’s Tribute Collection is a profound honor. Our commitment to preserving the past, while creating a contemporary space has been a pivotal and rewarding aspect of this project, truly bringing the history and spirit of Bristol back to life.”
The Sessions Hotel continues to be a premier destination in Southwest Virginia offering a tailored experience that reflects the spirit and culture of Bristol, the revered “Birthplace of Country Music.” From its thoughtfully curated interiors to its vibrant cultural and food and beverage offerings, The Sessions Hotel is not just a place to stay — it’s a place to be experienced.
ABOUT THE SESSIONS HOTEL:
The Sessions Hotel, Bristol, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is housed in three meticulously restored historic buildings. Its architecture and interiors are a tribute to the rich history of Bristol. Embracing the city's musical heritage, the hotel integrates this theme into its decor, events and ambiance, offering guests an immersive cultural experience. For more information about The Sessions Hotel, visit www.sessionshotel.com. 833 State Street, Bristol, VA 24201 Phone: 276-285-5040 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Sessions Hotel is operated by Cornerstone Hospitality LLC, Williamsburg, Virginia.
About Tribute Portfolio®
Tribute Portfolio is a growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and their drive to create vibrant social scenes for guests and locals alike. With more than
100 hotels in nearly 30 countries and territories around the world, Tribute Portfolio has struck a chord with those who seek out independent experiences and crave a connection with the community when traveling. From
boutique resorts like Ermita in Cartagena and urban hotels such as The Vagabond Club in Singapore; to hotels in indie-spirited locales like Bellyard in Atlanta and Hotel Riomar in Ibiza, each Tribute Portfolio hotel celebrates its individuality, offering travelers a fresh, often colorful, perspective. For more information, please visit www.tributeportfolio.com and stay connected on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Tribute Portfolio is proud
to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and
unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.