Southern California Is Getting a New Craft Beer Hotel

Craft beer tourism is booming. Brew enthusiasts can now explore “beer trails” in states ranging from Virginia to Oregon, travel companies offer special regional tours that dive deep into an area’s brewing heritage, and one hotel in Pennsylvania even offers beer-inspired spa treatments. Now, Stone Brewing—currently the nation’s 10th largest craft brewer—is jumping into the game: It’s opening a hotel in Escondido, California, right across the street from its brewery-restaurant, which opened in 2013, Eater reports.

Stone Brewing’s new $26 million, 99-room hotel will debut to the public in early 2018 according to a company press release. In addition to beer-themed decor (per the brewery’s logo, we’ll be seeing a lot of gargoyles), visitors will be able to enjoy Stone beers “upon a moment’s notice,” thanks in part to three on-site bars that will offer “unique casks” and limited brews. Arriving guests will also be given a complimentary Stone beer in a “bar-style lobby check-in,” and if they have a craving for a late-night drink, in-room growler service will be available.

Though the hotel’s main draw will be its craft beer, guests can also enjoy a rooftop pool, a garden, walking trails, and first-dibs seating at the neighboring Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens–Escondido.

Stone Brewing isn’t the first major craft brewery to enter the hotel business—and it likely won’t be the last. In 2011, Dogfish Head opened a motel, the Dogfish Inn, in Lewes, Delaware, about 10 miles away from its brewery. However, the lodging doesn't sell its beer or serve food, as the brewery wants guests to patronize local businesses.

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