“We create hotels that reflect the towns and the universities they inhabit,” Ben Weprin, founder of Graduate Hotels, says in the trailer. “Every hotel is designed to tell a story of the community, of the people, of the traditions. It’s not manufactured. It’s not forced. It’s organic and you can really feel that love and you need an artist to do that.” Handcrafted Hotels, which premieres Friday, April 15, on discovery+ and the Magnolia app, follows hoteliers around the country who have captured the nostalgia, charm and character of their respective hometowns. Season 1 centers around Weprin and his team of designers and creative partners, including NFL star Peyton Manning, as they create “custom stays that celebrate” the spirit of Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee, the University of North Carolina and Yale University, while also providing guests with a “one-of-a-kind, nostalgic experience” in Nashville, Knoxville, Chapell Hill and New Haven. The trailer features an appearance by Hall of Famer and University of Tennessee alum Manning, who partnered with the Graduate Knoxville to create the boutique hotel’s Saloon 16 bar and restaurant. Chip and Joanna have their own boutique hotel in the works, though it won’t be featured on Handcrafted Hotels this season. The power couple’s home and lifestyle brand Magnolia has teamed up with Nashville-based Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners on a hotel just a few blocks away from Magnolia Market at the Silos. The hotel, located in the heart of downtown Waco, Texas, is expected to open next year. The Fixer Upper stars launched Magnolia Network, one of their biggest projects to date, last July on discovery+. The network finally made its long-awaited linear cable debut earlier this year. Previously discussing the network with Parade.com, Joanna said, “There’s just something that’s so beautiful about all the shows and all the talent, showing authentically what they’re doing.” “There’s some hope. There’s inspiration,” she added. “It’s that moment in time that I feel like we’re ready to put it out there. The message of hope and beauty and inspiration, we just hope people resonate with it and leave feeling like it was time well spent and it was inspiring.” Handcrafted Hotels drops Fridays starting April 15 through May 6 on discovery+ and the Magnolia app Next, what you need to know about Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Network!
