Faith Lo
The Enthusiast Hotel Collection is a curated group of boutique properties that celebrate charm, character, and regional spirit. Each location is deeply tied to its community, offering guests not just a place to stay, but an experience rooted in authenticity. For Valerie, who oversees the brand’s story telling, guest experience and marketing, hospitality is about making people feel at home while away, and that philosophy flows through every detail, including the mugs they’ve chosen to represent their properties.
When asked what inspired the decision to bring Deneen Pottery into the their hotel properties, Valerie shared:
“We wanted something that reflected the soul of each of our properties, something handcrafted, distinctive, and enduring. Deneen Pottery mugs instantly stood out as the perfect fit. Guests often look for a keepsake that captures their stay, and these mugs do just that. Their craftsmanship and individuality mirror the care and uniqueness we bring to every stay”
It’s no surprise that the mugs have become a guest favorite, treasured mementos that tell the story of a special stay and invite guests to start their mornings back home with a reminder of their travels. Many guests even collect the mugs from different properties in the collection, turning their morning coffee into a journey through past adventures.
Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa
Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa blends dramatic coastal views with rustic-chic comfort. Built from eco-rescued “sinker” redwood logs that were reclaimed from riverbeds, the inn is as much a tribute to nature’s history as it is a luxury escape.
Guests have no shortage of ways to unwind or explore. Whether it’s a rejuvenating massage, sunrise or sunset yoga, immersing in sound healing with gongs or crystal bowls, or sipping locally-sourced meals and wine while watching waves crash, it’s all here. Hiking through nearby redwoods, exploring the rugged Mendocino coastline, or simply losing track of time curled up by the fireplace in a suite are among the guest favorites.
What keeps people returning? The combination of quiet solitude (yet close enough to local culture), the arts and crafts, style design that feels homey but refined, and the attentive, thoughtful touches, like a pre-arrival concierge that can help plan your escape before you even arrive.
Casa Morada
Casa Morada feels like stepping into a secluded island retreat with 16 guest suites tucked into lush gardens, tranquil courtyards, and a private island just steps from the water. The gardens, designed by Raymond Jungles, include native and exotic plants, creative little nooks, hammocks, and private patios that make relaxing outdoors feel special.
Guests can borrow bicycles, launch kayaks or paddleboards, explore snorkeling off the seawall, play bocce ball, or simply lounge by the pool or on the private beach. The design is quietly elegant “barefoot boho tropical” with clean art-deco lines, airy rooms, warm textiles, Mediterranean touches, and furnishings by owner-designers. The property is pet-friendly, offers complimentary breakfast, and is a favorite for travelers who want a mix of active island adventures and serene moments with beautiful sunsets.
Tapoco Lodge
Nestled along the Cheoah River in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tapoco Lodge offers guests a timeless mountain escape with rustic charm and outdoor adventure at every turn. Guests can hike the groomed trails across the 120-acre campus, relax by riverside fire pits, borrow binoculars for birding on the grounds, or gather for nightly bonfires and even movie nights under the stars.
The lodging options are varied and full of character, historic lodge rooms, riverside cabins, suites with jetted tubs, and cozy common areas with river or mountain views. Dining is local and hearty, with breakfast in the Cheoah Room, casual fare at the Tapoco Tavern, and plenty of spaces to enjoy meals with dramatic views. Guests who love water-sports can plan their visit around dam release weekends on the Cheoah River, when rapids swell and offer thrilling white-water viewing (or paddling for advanced adventurers).
Bringing It All Together
For the Enthusiast Hotel Collection, partnering with Deneen Pottery was about more than offering a souvenir. It was about finding a handcrafted piece that could carry the heart of their brand.
As Valerie shared, “They’ve become a guest favorite and an extension of our identity at each inn.”
We’re honored to be part of the journey.
Interested in creating your own custom mugs that capture the spirit of your business?
Reach out to us here, we’d love to help you design something unforgettable.
Faith Lo
