An Interview with BLLA Award Winner, Jon Kully of LEFT LANE

Creating Exceptional Guest Experiences Through Adaptive Reuse and Community Engagement

In the ever-evolving landscape of boutique hospitality, LEFT LANE stands out as a pioneering force, transforming historic buildings into vibrant cultural hubs across America. At the helm of this innovative venture is Jon Kully, a visionary who has brought a fresh perspective to real estate development, blending architecture, design, and brand creation into a seamless experience. As part of our 2024 BLLA Award Winners Series, we spoke with Jon about his journey, the ethos behind LEFT LANE, and what it means to be recognized as the Best Boutique Hotel Owner.

Crafting Spaces with Purpose

Jon Kully’s approach to real estate development is anything but conventional. At LEFT LANE, the focus isn’t just on owning and managing hotels—it’s about placemaking, creating spaces that resonate with both guests and the local community. “We are a vertically integrated firm, meaning we both own and manage our hotels, which differentiates us from others in the space,” Jon explains. “We craft spaces and create experiences that yield meaningful impact, and our work is deeply rooted in the principles of environmental and social responsibility.”

This commitment to meaningful impact is evident in every project LEFT LANE undertakes. Unlike traditional development firms, LEFT LANE prioritizes adaptive reuse opportunities, reviving historic buildings in high-growth secondary and tertiary cities. “We look for cities that have the demand for luxury and lifestyle hospitality but lack the product in-market,” Jon says. By focusing on these under-served areas, LEFT LANE not only enters the market as a rate leader but also contributes to the cultural and economic vibrancy of the destination.

Innovating with Experience

Jon’s extensive background in real estate and hospitality has profoundly shaped the vision for LEFT LANE. Before founding the firm, he co-founded FLANK LP, where he was involved in over $1.2 billion in developments. However, Jon recognized that the traditional structure of partnering with hospitality management companies often led to misalignment and brand deterioration. “At FLANK, we operated as a more traditional real estate ownership group,” Jon recalls. “I founded LEFT LANE alongside my partners to upend the traditional structure and create something new.”

This desire to innovate and challenge the status quo has been a driving force behind LEFT LANE’s success. By controlling both the real estate and hospitality aspects of their projects, Jon and his team can ensure that every detail aligns with their vision, creating a cohesive and exceptional guest experience.

The Elements of Excellence

When it comes to what makes a boutique hotel truly exceptional, Jon is clear: it’s all about the synergy between design, programming, and service. “It’s always a combination of three main factors—whimsical, layered design and dynamic, relevant programming all underpinned by warm, anticipatory service,” he explains. “When all three are humming together, the guest experience is unmatched.”

This philosophy is reflected in the spaces LEFT LANE creates, where every detail is carefully considered to delight the senses. Jon’s architectural background plays a significant role in shaping these spaces. “Our spaces are crafted to enthrall our guests and delight their senses,” he says. “We combine the pleasing simplicity of the everyday with the brilliance of the exceptional.”

A Commitment to Authenticity

For Jon, the success of LEFT LANE is deeply intertwined with his personal values, particularly his commitment to cultural institutions, education, and community service. These values are not just an add-on; they are integral to how LEFT LANE operates. “My personal values are the same as LEFT LANE’s values because our firm can only be successful if we’re built on and operate against the very concepts that drive community and connection,” Jon notes.

Art plays a crucial role in LEFT LANE’s properties, serving as a medium for storytelling and creating a connection between the brand, the building, and its guests. “Art is one of the many vehicles we use to story tell in our properties,” Jon explains. “We always seek a healthy balance of local pieces alongside global ones so that we infuse conversation starters throughout our spaces and inspire our guests to look at the walls again and again.”

Building Cultural Hubs

One of the hallmarks of LEFT LANE’s projects is their ability to create cultural hubs that serve both travelers and locals. This is particularly evident in their upcoming brands, Bardo and Recess, which are designed as equal parts hotel and private club. “Our properties are built as much for travelers as they are for members,” Jon explains. “This brings with it a built-in community of locals who utilize our properties as extensions of their own homes.”

This club model not only fosters a sense of community but also provides stability by reducing dependence on seasonality and travel trends. It’s this blend of hospitality and community engagement that makes LEFT LANE’s projects so dynamic and impactful.

Recognition and Validation

Winning the 2024 BLLA Award for Best Boutique Hotel Owner is a significant milestone for Jon and his team. “To enter the market as an unknown brand and receive quick recognition like this award is extremely validating for our firm,” Jon reflects. “Our team works tirelessly to go left and perpetually pivot. I am very proud of what we have accomplished in a short time and am looking forward to all that’s still to come.”

Jon Kully and LEFT LANE are redefining what it means to be a boutique hotel owner in today’s market. By combining innovation, authenticity, and a deep commitment to place, they are not only creating exceptional spaces but also leaving a lasting impact on the cities they touch. As they continue to expand and evolve, it’s clear that LEFT LANE is a force to be reckoned with in the world of boutique hospitality.