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Our Mission

Our Mission

BringingThe Vision to Life

At The Laurel Hotel & Spa, you will find an exciting lifestyle hotel and dining destination unlike anywhere else. Serving both guests and students in a stunning coalition, our mission is to provide outstanding service and hands-on learning in remarkable harmony.

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Partnering

With Auburn University

The Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is built on unparalleled ways to learn premium service first-hand. As part of our unique partnership with Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, we provide students with exceptionally immersive training experiences in hospitality.

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Pampering
Our Guests

Enlightening Our Students

The Laurel Hotel & Spa is the first of its kind, anywhere in the world, luxury teaching hotel for the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management at Auburn University. This luxury teaching environment provides unique opportunities for guests, students and our team to make memories in everything we do. When choosing The Laurel Hotel & Spa, you are supporting the next generation of hoteliers, restaurateurs, and chefs in gaining real-world experience in unmatched surroundings.

About The Laurel

closeup of a bumblebee on a pink flower

In the most basic application, laurel is an aromatic herb used in cooking. In the tradition of ancient scholars, the laurel is also used in the academic world to show stature and importance. Together, these concepts offer inspiration for The Laurel Hotel & Spa, where artful hospitality meets scholastic achievement.

Our Center

1856 restaurant sign

1856 Culinary Residence

The hotel’s refined tasting restaurant, 1856 Culinary Residence, offers an elevated dining experience, featuring an a la carte menu for lunch and a unique tasting menu for dinner, curated by Chef in Residence Ford Fry.

rooftop garden overlooking the city preview
rooftop garden overlooking the city

Walt's On The Roof

A special space for creative cocktails, alfresco bites, and poolside relaxation beneath elevated service cabanas, the Rooftop offers a stylish hideaway perched high above the Auburn skyline.

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hey day market restaurants with lots of dining tables. preview
hey day market restaurants with lots of dining tables.

Hey Day Market

Named after one of Auburn University’s favorite traditions, Hey Day Market is the go-to for creative plates, authentic gelato, and hand-crafted cocktails.

a group of people in a building preview
a group of people in a building

Thrive Here @Auburn Powered by Thrive Farmers

Experience Thrive Farmer's Coffee Roastery & Café, freshly ground coffee from Central America, and homemade pastries from our Pastry Chef, Dallas Kee.

Students learn all aspects of coffee from bean to cup with this experiential coffee roastery.

view of the craft beer menu at the hey market preview
view of the craft beer menu at the hey market

Microbrewery

From lagers to ales and IPAs, the microbrewery at our center will welcome students in the Brewing Science Program to learn all about the craft of making beer, complete with a tasting room for guests looking to sample.

the laurel culinary teaching classroom preview
the laurel culinary teaching classroom

Educational Laboratories

From the distillery of spirits to culinary demonstrations, and social media photography of freshly curated food and drink, the educational laboratories offer hospitality students first-rate facilities and offer guests an outstanding place for cooking classes.

a group of people walking around a courtyard between buildings preview
a group of people walking around a courtyard between buildings

The Lawn

Located adjacent to the Hey Day Market, the multipurpose The Lawn offers a picturesque outdoor setting for local farmers’ markets and outdoor events.

1856 restaurant sign preview