AWARDS · PRESS · GUEST EXPERIENCE
What People Are Saying
A curated collection of guest feedback, editorial coverage, industry recognition, and press mentions reflecting the hospitality environments AK Design Group helps create.
FEATURED TRAVEL WRITERS & HOSPITALITY PRESS
Design details called out in coverage.
"The overall design, delivered by AK Design Group of Brentwood, TN, is local, authentic, southern, transitional and sophisticated. It incorporates a historical vibe with a classic modern twist. The décor is neutral and light, complemented by homelike furnishings chosen to evoke warmth and comfort, and the color palette is inspired by the university."
“Everything else in the room was thoughtfully designed with practicality in mind.”
"Local, functional, and transitional."
“Andrea Gillespie, principal of AK Design Studio, created the custom look and feel for the property.”
"This hotel exudes Southern charm with its exquisite Louisiana designed decor."
Hospitality Net
Windsor Aughtry Completes $2.6 Million Renovation at Hospitality America-Operated Hampton by Hilton Roanoke Downtown
Travel And Tour World
Roanoke, Virginia Strengthens Downtown Tourism as Windsor Aughtry Completes US$2.6 Million Renovation at Hampton by Hilton: Could This Elevate the City’s Hospitality Appeal?
Hospitality Net
Hospitality America Announces Completion of Windsor Aughtry’s $6 Million Renovation of Hampton Inn Columbia Downtown Historic District
Travel And Tour World
Hampton Inn Columbia Embraces Innovation with a Complete Property Overhaul and Expanded Amenities to Enhance Guest Experience
Hotel Online
McNeill Hotel Company Celebrates Grand Opening of TownePlace Suites by Marriott Memphis Germantown
Patch – Pinellas Beaches
Not-So-Typical Hilton Garden Inn Makes Debut On St. Pete Beach
Hospitality Net
OTO Development Opens Completely Renovated Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach, Florida
UA Department of Art & Art History
Alumni, Faculty and Students Combine Forces in New Hotel Mural Project
University of Alabama News
Art Alumni, Faculty and Students Combine Forces in Hotel Mural Project
AWARDS
Industry Recognition
2026
NEWH TopID Award
Mid-South Region – AK Design Group
2025
Triangle Business Journal SPACE Award
Top Hospitality & Entertainment Development – Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsboro
2025
Hospitality Design Award
Best Budget/Select-Service Hotel Public Space – Motto by Hilton Bentonville Downtown
2023
NEWH TopID Award
Mid-South Region – AK Design Group
2021
Hilton Americas Development Award
Hilton Garden Inn Conversion – Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach
2019
NEWH TopID Award
Mid-South Region – AK Design Group
2019
Hilton Americas Development Award
North America New Build – Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City Downtown Crossroads
2011
Boutique 18 Top Designers
Boutique Design Magazine – Andrea Gillespie
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
Selected Guest Feedback
A collection of public guest comments that specifically speak to the décor, atmosphere, design, or appearance of AKDG projects.
“Beautifully appointed modern hotel with a boutique personalized feel. Lobby was super comfortable, classy and sophisticated.”
MOTTO BY HILTON BENTONVILLE, AR DOWNTOWN · TRIPADVISOR, JULY 2025
“The decor and theming was fantastic and fun relating to the university.”
HOMEWOOD SUITES TUSCALOOSA, AL DOWNTOWN · TRIPADVISOR, MARCH 2023
“A new hotel with very beautiful decor, a great location, and friendly staff.”
HILTON GARDEN INN ST. PETE BEACH, FL OCEANFRONT · TRIP.COM, MAY 2026
“The rooms were beautifully appointed, giving a modern chalet vibe!”
HOMEWOOD SUITES JACKSON, WY · TRIPADVISOR, JANUARY 2026
“Beautiful decor, wonderful breakfast and comfortable beds!”
HAMPTON INN & SUITES MEMPHIS/GERMANTOWN, TN · EXPEDIA, MARCH 2025
“Our accommodations were beautiful.”
HAMPTON INN & SUITES INDIANAPOLIS/KEYSTONE, IN · TRIPADVISOR, MAY 2025
“Beautiful hotel right near shopping, restaurants and couple miles down the street from UA.”
EMBASSY SUITES TUSCALOOSA, AL DOWNTOWN · HOTELS.COM, NOVEMBER 2025
“Newly renovated, beautiful decor, good breakfast.”
HAMPTON INN & SUITES BATON ROUGE, LA DOWNTOWN · PLANET OF HOTELS, JANUARY 2026
“It’s a beautiful property and the staff was amazing.”
HAMPTON INN & SUITES COLUMBIA, SC HISTORIC DISTRICT · · TRIPADVISOR, DECEMBER 2025
“Decor in lobby and rooms very pleasing.”
HAMPTON INN & SUITES PITTSBORO, NC · EXPEDIA, FEBRUARY 2026
“The hotel itself is beautiful and clean.”
HAMPTON INN & SUITES KANSAS CITY, MO DOWNTOWN CROSSROADS · BOOKING.COM, NOVEMBER 2024
Design that guests remember.
Planning a renovation, conversion, or new hospitality project? We’d love to hear about it.