Meet Pritesh Patel, the mastermind behind Hotel Pommier in Iowa—a former Super 8 reborn as an award-winning indie hotel with a cult following on Instagram.
Scrolling through Instagram one day, somehow I found some of his reels and went “WOW, this dude gets it!”
Powerful storytelling.
Direct messaging of his hotel’s value.
Humor, heart, and community focused.
I knew immediately I had to talk to him so I could show you all what it’s like to get your marketing under control and in motion.
I reached out and he was kind enough to do this written interview with me. We’ll explore why his rebrand to independence was a game-changer, how he defined a unique brand identity, and the content strategies that fueled his online success.
Whether you’re a marketer or a business owner, Pritesh’s journey offers valuable lessons.
A Local Legend is Born
Pritesh, what inspired you to rebrand the old Super 8 into Hotel Pommier and break away from the corporate hotel model—why did going independent feel like the right move?
It started with a vision to create something unique. The Super 8 was a solid base, but the corporate model felt restrictive—same old rooms, same old experience. I wanted to tap into Iowa’s local charm and offer guests something they couldn’t find in a chain. Going independent gave me the freedom to redefine hospitality, and the rebrand to Hotel Pommier, nodding to the Apple Tree Inn legacy, felt like a natural fit.
How did you define the unique identity and values for Hotel Pommier, and what role did the local Iowa community play in shaping that brand?
We focused on authenticity and community—values like warmth, creativity, and local pride. The Iowa community was key; we involved local artisans for decor and hosted pop-up events to get feedback. It’s their stories that shaped our ‘home away from home’ vibe.
Your Instagram following has become almost cult-like—can you walk us through the initial strategy you used to build that online presence from scratch?
We started with behind-the-scenes posts—renovation updates, staff intros. I posted daily, even during COVID, to keep the momentum. It was about consistency and showing the human side, which drew people in.
What types of content—photos, videos, stories—did you find most effective in capturing your audience’s attention and turning them into loyal fans?
Videos of the renovation and time-lapses really popped—people loved seeing the transformation. Stories with quick polls or Q&As built engagement, while high-quality photos of rooms and amenities kept the aesthetic strong.
How did documenting the renovation process on Instagram help turn challenges, like opening during COVID, into opportunities for connection with your followers?
It humanized the struggle. Sharing delays and pivots—like outdoor dining setups—made followers feel part of the journey. They cheered us on, which turned a tough time into a bonding experience.
You’ve mentioned authenticity as a key to your success—how do you balance that with the polished look hotels often aim for in their marketing?
It’s a tightrope. We keep the raw, real moments—like staff chats—but polish the final shots. Authenticity wins trust; polish wins appeal. It’s about finding that sweet spot.
What role did storytelling play in your rebranding, especially with the ‘pommier’ name tied to the Apple Tree Inn legacy?
Storytelling was the backbone. The ‘pommier’ name—French for apple tree—linked us to the Inn’s history, and we wove that into every post, from apple-themed decor to local orchard tours. It gave us a narrative people could root for.
How did you decide to invest in unique amenities like game rooms and pickleball courts, and how have those choices impacted your guest experience and online buzz?
Guest surveys showed demand for fun, active options. The game rooms and pickleball courts set us apart, and Instagram posts of guests playing went viral, boosting our ‘unique stay’ rep.
What metrics or feedback from Instagram helped you refine your content strategy over time—likes, comments, or something else?
Comments and story responses were gold. They told us what resonated—family activities over luxury shots—so we doubled down on those.
Have you experimented with paid ads or influencer partnerships on Instagram, or has organic growth been the backbone of your cult following?
Mostly organic. We tried a few influencer posts early on, but the cult following grew from consistent, authentic content. Paid ads felt forced and didn’t match our vibe.
Looking back, what’s the one marketing decision you made with Hotel Pommier that you feel had the biggest impact on its success?
Going all-in on Instagram live tours during the renovation. It built trust and excitement, turning curious scrollers into booked guests.
As a small indie hotel, how do you plan to sustain and grow that Instagram following while competing with bigger chains in the future?
We’ll keep leaning into niche content—local events, guest stories—and explore partnerships with Iowa tourism boards. Staying authentic while scaling smartly is the key.
There you have it, readers—an inspiring look into Pritesh Patel’s journey with Hotel Pommier, where a bold rebrand and clever Instagram strategy transformed a local hotel into a national hit.
His focus on authenticity, community, and content offers a blueprint for marketers and business owners looking to stand out.