When husband-and-wife team, Adam and Leila Bedoian, opened The Local – St. Augustine last October, they never envisioned that they would quickly accumulate such a large social media presence, garnering viral viewership, and topping the must-see list for social influencers and travelers alike. And they did just that including being named the 2022 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best Roadside Motel. The Local – St. Augustine took USA Today’s number one spot out of 20 motels around the country from Arizona to Maine.
“It’s amazing to see our passion and commitment to this project be recognized and appreciated on a national level,” explained Leila Bedoian, co-owner of The Local – St. Augustine. “We are so excited to be able to bring attention to our local community, which has welcomed us so warmly, and we want to pass that hospitality on to our guests!”
Originally built in the 1940s, back when roadside motels were the standard accommodation offered in the Sunshine State, The Local – St. Augustine is currently a 21-room property renovated to feel like nostalgic Old Florida. It features a retro inground pool, flamingo pink façade, kitschy palm frond wallpaper, and seaside artwork as well as the new “Florida Room,” which functions as a hospitality suite, offering up complimentary coffee and tea services.
The Local – St. Augustine is also a digital property, which means that it features the latest technology such as an app that provides contactless check-in/check-out and acts as the front desk, verifying identification and granting access to a guest’s room with a digital key using Bluetooth technology, while also providing a platform for guest services. This means that guests can bypass the front desk and use their phone as a key to their room.
“Even though we both have extensive backgrounds in the hospitality industry, owning your own property is a completely different experience,” said Leila. “In less than a year, we have learned a lot about what the modern guest is looking for while also making fun improvements to the property such as revamped rooms, all new landscaping, and pool upgrades. We are one hundred percent focused on making sure our guests have an amazing experience when they come to St. Augustine. Exciting changes have just begun! Upcoming upgrades include a deck and more improvements to our outdoor areas and experiences!”
ABOUT THE LOCAL – ST. AUGUSTINE – Founded in 2021 by Leila and Adam Bedoian, The Local – St. Augustine is located at 512 Anastasia Boulevard, just south of the Bridge of Lions on Anastasia Island. It is a pet-friendly, 21-room boutique-style inn that caters to the modern traveler with a digital check-in and check-out process and concierge app to help guests plan their St. Augustine vacation. For more information, visit www.thelocalinns.com and follow along on social media @thelocalstaugustine
