It was everything it could be.
A new beginning, a reinvention, and a resurrection for history, for downtown Wheeling, and for a young, up-and-coming manager in the hospitality industry. It was everything possible.
And, to top it off, the Wheeling native accepted what was supposed to be the biggest and best opportunity of his young career after learning the craft for more than five years at one of the highest-rated Hampton Inn hotels in the world.
It was THE dream that checked all the boxes, but that aspiration, unfortunately for Taylor Smith, was too good to be true.
In the summer of 2021, former Roxby Development president Jeffrey Morris agreed to purchase the McLure House Hotel for more than $6 million, and the moment he took possession Smith was the general manager of the 175-room hotel where presidents slept but Marilyn Monroe never did. Under Smith’s supervision, a floor of rooms and the lobby were renovated, the lounge was re-opened, and a very drab, tired building was painted pure white from top to bottom.
Morris called the makeover a cleansing, but Smith then was forced to pester him to pay for the paint job, and, as it turned out, for many other unpaid bills that allegedly never were satisfied during his brief tenure with the failed company. Morris has since been charged with 18 federal counts of wire fraud and 10 counts of tax evasion and is scheduled for trial in March 2024.
Smith? Well, as a matter of fact, after recalibrating his professional path, the young man has just accepted a far more realistic dream-come-true job as the general manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites in St. Clairsville. The four-floor hotel offers 113 rooms, an indoor pool, a hot breakfast every morning, and close proximity to the Ohio Valley Mall.
So, despite the deplorable detour, Smith’s journey continues.
What is it about making sure someone is enjoying their stay in the lodge you are managing that drives you the most?
As you know I’m coming from the number one Hampton Inn in the world after 10 plus years of experience, so I will say the joy of seeing a positive review or a loyal guest who keeps coming back just to say hello keeps me going.
I love it when my long-term guests become lifelong friends and family.
What was your favorite part about growing up in Wheeling?
My favorite part about growing up in Wheeling and in the Ohio Valley is, no matter where you go around here, you always run into a person you know or someone who knows you. I like to call that “Friendly City Energy.”
We all have it embedded in us and that is true hospitality as its finest. Just remember to be nice to people.
When someone first walks into their hotel room, what should they see?
The first thing someone should see is that the room is well-stocked and clean. There should be a few extras, like maybe a candy or an animal-shaped towel, because those things never hurt anyone and guests are delighted.
My mentor used to always say, “If the room is not clean, lock the door and throw away the key,” and this business, there is no truer statement than that.”
How picky are you when you travel? And do you ever complain?
I am what you call a travel warrior, aka, “easy to please. As long as the room is clean, you will never have a complaint from me. Also, I always do my research before I stay anywhere. That is a “Book A Room 101 Always” for me.
What is the biggest lesson you learned during your brief time as general manager of the McLure Hotel for Roxby Development?
My biggest lesson is, “Trust Your Instincts.”
My love for the development of our area and hospitality blinded me from huge warning signs, but I am still thankful for the experience. We have to remember to get back up even when life tries to knock us down. We have to get back up every single time!
