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Old Florida Meets the Digital Age at St. Augustine Motel

Last Updated on November 21, 2022

With the flamingo pink façade, kitschy palm frond wallpaper, and seaside artwork, one might think they’ve transcended back to the 1950s when roadside motels were the standard accommodation offered in the Sunshine State. Today, checking into The Local – St. Augustine motel is anything, but vintage.

Owners of The Local St. Augustine. Photo credit: Justin Snavely
Leila and Adam Bedoian. Photo credit: Justin Snavely

New owners of The Local – St. Augustine motel, Leila and Adam Bedoian, purchased the 21-room property in July 2021 and have been renovating it to feel like nostalgic Old Florida, but with the latest technology.

Photo credit: Justin Snavely
Interior room. Photo credit: Justin Snavely

The Local is a St. Augustine motel with digital check-in/check-out and an app that 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.

According to HotelTechReport.com, digital transformation for hospitality properties can increase digital revenue and website traffic, reduce operational costs, improve product and service quality, and improve customer outcomes. The Local – St. Augustine is powered by Virdee, a technology company providing virtual reception and user interaction software, so guests can bypass the front desk and use their phone as a key to their room.

 The-Local-St.-Augustine-is-a-digital-property-with-digital-check-incheck-out-and-an-app-that-acts-as-the-front-desk-photo-credit-Justin-Snavely
Digital check-in/check-out. Photo credit: Justin Snavely

Located at 512 Anastasia Boulevard, just south of the Bridge of Lions on Anastasia Island, The Local – St. Augustine motel was previously known as Island Shores Inn. Today, the property has been revamped with updated rooms, all-new landscaping, improvements made to the pool and other exterior amenities, and partnerships with DRIFTERS Beach & Bike Rentals for on-site bicycle rentals and complimentary gym access to Anastasia Fitness.

The Bedoians are currently building a garden lounge area and hospitality suite with coffee and music to add to the guest experience.

For more info, visit www.thelocalinns.com.

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