Established in 2022, The Shepherd Hotel is known for offering “authentic hospitality” in downtown Clemson. With its amenities, philanthropic involvement and reputation for excellent service, it is no surprise that The Shepherd Hotel has been voted the best hotel in Clemson.
“We are once again honored for this recognition and thank the Tiger family,” Rick Hayduk, co-owner and general manager of The Shepherd, told The Tiger upon receiving the award.
The Shepherd Hotel includes the restaurant Delish Sisters, which uses locally sourced ingredients. Hotel visitors can also find the Thomas Bar: a lounge and bar accompanied by an outdoor terrace that provides a great view of Clemson’s beautiful sunsets.
Similar to Delish Sisters, the Thomas Bar provides customers with a selection of local beer, wine and spirits and serves exceptional craft cocktails. The lounge, furnished with comfortable, elegant decor in shades of dark green, blue and grey, offers customers an ambient, refined bar experience.
Along with its delicious drink selection and cocktails, the Thomas Bar provides afternoon tea. Described by the Shepherd as “a classic Afternoon tea experience with a southern spin,” the hotel’s afternoon tea comes complete with a selection of craft teas, freshly baked goods, sandwiches and numerous options of fine wine and champagne.
The Shepherd Hotel holds a mission to provide “hospitality with a purpose.” The Shepherd Hotel’s commitment to employing and helping young adults with disabilities is a defining characteristic of what makes The Shepherd Hotel such an amazing, welcoming hotel environment. Part of the hotel’s commitment to employing adults with disabilities includes its partnership with ClemsonLIFE: a program at Clemson University that provides a collegiate experience that focuses on preparing “young men and women with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment and independent living through a combination of academic coursework and career exploration,” according to its website. In its partnership with ClemsonLIFE, The Shepherd Hotel is “honored to work with this inspirational program that helps shape the lives of these extraordinary students.”
Inspired by his daughter Jamison, who has Down syndrome, when developing and creating the hotel, Hayduk “aspired to operate a hotel and hire individuals with disabilities.” Through creating The Shepherd Hotel partnership with ClemsonLIFE, co-owners Hayduk and Rich Davies have significantly impacted the lives of young adults and Clemson graduates with disabilities in beneficial ways.
“We feel our purpose in the training and employment of people with disabilities so coincides with Clemson University and the Clemson community that this synchronicity shines through,” Hayduk said.
Along with providing career opportunities in hospitality, The Shepherd Hotel also has a boutique dedicated to selling products from businesses owned by entrepreneurs with disabilities. In The Shepherd’s boutique, customers can find kitchenware, jewelry and Clemson-themed accessories.
Much of the hotel’s beautiful, calming art was created by Charlie French, a passionate, gifted artist diagnosed with Down syndrome regression disorder. French’s paintings are characterized by their “abstract and intuitive” elements and his dedication to collaboration. He has donated numerous of his pieces to Clemson’s Shepherd Hotel.
“We are honored to be a small part of the Clemson family,” Hayduk told The Tiger.
Hours:
Mon-Sun: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Address:
110 Sloan St.
Clemson, SC 29631
Phone: (864) 635-0100
www.shepherdhotels.com // @shepherdhotels (Instagram) // Shepherd Hotels (Facebook)
