Riding Out the Storm:
Hurricane Helene at The Shepherd Hotel in Clemson, SC
When we arrived at The Shepherd Hotel in Clemson for a planned 10-day trip just a few weeks ago, we had no idea we were going to be caught in the eye of a hurricane. The forecast had suggested that Helene would veer towards Atlanta, bringing us just a few gusty winds from a tropical storm. But early one morning, just before 7 AM, I woke up to the realization that we were directly under the eye of the storm.
If you’d like to know how to handle travel during unexpected weather events, or how to help survivors, reach out today and we’ll share our tips and experience with you.
I want to start by acknowledging the heartbreaking, unprecedented devastation Hurricane Helene brought to areas further north, and I understand that this is a sensitive topic. That said, I wanted to capture this experience while it was still fresh in my mind.
Before diving in, I want to emphasize something important: we didn’t take away hotel rooms or local resources from anyone in need. We didn’t plan to stay through the storm; we simply happened to be there when it hit. Navigating the aftermath of the storm wasn’t easy. Roads, including the interstates, were impassable on Friday, so even if we had wanted to leave, it wouldn’t have been possible.
There was no power in our rooms, and by the time power was restored on Sunday, we left as planned, allowing the hotel to serve others who may have needed it more. Despite the chaos around us, The Shepherd Hotel handled everything with such grace, and from a hospitality standpoint, it was remarkable.
Here’s how they managed this unexpected situation:
Emergency Preparedness and Responsiveness
The Shepherd Hotel was equipped with an emergency generator powered by natural gas, which meant the hotel wasn’t using any vital resources from the community. The generator ensured that essential areas like the front desk, hallways, and the Thomas Bar had power. The service elevator was also functional, a vital asset since some of the staff, including adults with disabilities, rely on wheelchairs.
One of the standout features of the hotel’s response was its communication. Management kept us constantly updated via text message, providing clarity and reassurance in an uncertain time.
Rick Hayduk, the General Manager, has extensive experience in managing hotels in Florida, including during hurricanes. His strong leadership was evident in how smoothly the situation was handled.
Keeping Spirits Up
The Thomas Bar, a social hub in the hotel, became a place of refuge during the storm. With all the windows and doors open, a cool cross breeze filled the room, providing relief from the heat and stuffiness of the guest rooms (which were all without power). It became a communal space where guests gathered, chatted, and supported each other…there was an overwhelming sense of camaraderie. I even contemplated taking a nap on one of the couches, as it felt like a cozy escape from the chaos.
In the spirit of helping, many of us offered to clean rooms, make sandwiches, or assist in any way we could. The hotel staff wouldn’t let us, but it was heartening to see the guests come together with a genuine desire to assist however possible.
Making the Most of Limited Resources
Despite the lack of electricity, the hotel managed to provide for its guests with the few resources available. There was a single Keurig coffee maker and a toaster running at the front desk, where people would gather to charge their phones.
Breakfast was simple: Dunkin’ Donuts brought in donuts and bagels, and we had basic sandwiches with ham, bread, and peanut butter and jelly.
I had some of my go-to snacks and protein powder on hand, so it was another reminder why it’s always a good idea to carry some with you. We didn’t use any bottled water so we could leave that for the community, and instead drank from the hotel’s water supply.
In a situation where fine dining was impossible, the hotel still managed to create a sense of luxury through its care, warmth, and communication. They even bought lanterns for guests, and I borrowed battery-operated candles from a local friend to light my room.
A Lesson in True Hospitality
What stood out most to me was how everyone, guests and staff alike, remained positive…no one complained, despite the circumstances. It’s a testament to how genuine hospitality isn’t about opulence or extravagance, but about making people feel safe, supported, and cared for in any situation.
While there was unprecedented devastation just down the road in several southern states, our experience at The Shepherd Hotel was a beacon of light in a dark time.
The way the hotel handled it speaks volumes about their dedication to their guests. We weren’t just sheltered – we were uplifted, and everyone involved came together in a beautiful way to make the best of a tough situation.
In the end, it’s not about luxury amenities. It’s about people. I’ll always remember how The Shepherd Hotel managed to turn a hurricane experience into something deeply human, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
If you’d like to know more, reach out today and we’ll share all of our insider tips and experience with you.
Relax, we’ll take care of everything,
Amy Westerman
President
The Curated Travel Collection
P.S. For more of our travel stories, tips and trends visit our blog.
