A Star of the Industry brings an eye for detail to Greenville’s beloved historic hotel
“This is not just any hotel,” says Fabian Unterzaucher, who has been the general manager of The Westin Poinsett Hotel for the past 18 years. “From the moment you walk through the doors, you step back in time to an era of timeless elegance.”
With its Beaux Arts-inspired exterior and hints of Roaring Twenties exuberance, the Westin Poinsett Hotel’s decor balances elegance with modern technology. “We want our guests to engage with the historical architecture,” he says, “to feel the comfort and class of our lobby and guest rooms, and to enjoy the warm hospitality and luxury that Greenville encompasses.”
In February of 2023, Unterzaucher received the highly competitive Hotelier of the Year award from the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. “My German upbringing taught me a strong work ethic, an eye for detail, a sense of quality, and the anticipation of guest needs,” Unterzaucher says. He was honored for his professionalism, his “no excuses” management style, and “friendliness doesn’t cost extra” customer service.
In the lobby, the brass chandelier and sconces cast golden light over the beige wingbacks and red armchairs, which are arranged in intimate clusters throughout the room. Before a line can form at the front desk, more hotel staff seem to magically appear. A clerk registers a couple visiting for dinner downtown and a show at the Peace Center. A concierge hands a businessman a bottle of water and offers him a fresh cookie from the glass jar on the counter.
The Westin Poinsett Hotel Grows with the Times
“The award reflects what we are known for: consistency, reliability, and quality, which, in my opinion, beats trendy and surprising,” says Unterzaucher. “Having been able to build an amazing team that has seen little turnover in key positions, represents our drive and determination. Our associates want to be here. They want to be part of an excellent team.”
The result is a thriving local landmark deeply rooted in the community. “You’ll come to find that most Greenville locals have some kind of connection to the hotel,” says Unterzaucher. “Everyone has a story to tell. We hear the most wonderful memories from our guests, whether they’re simply enjoying the downtown area, attending a wedding or conference, or celebrating an anniversary or birthday.”
The iconic 12-story, L-shaped landmark hotel is also a cosmopolitan getaway that has grown with the times. “Greenville is an international town,” says Unterzaucher, alluding to the vibrant yet small-town atmosphere. “There’s a certain European feel to it. Our guests, wherever they come from, are overwhelmingly friendly and appreciative of being taken care of. Greenville is the kind of place that brings the best out in you.”
Friday afternoon excitement builds around him. The weekday clientele of predominantly business travelers and corporate events begins to shift to guests here for a weekend getaway, social events, banquets, and weddings.
“Brides want a venue that feels special, that’s unique,” he says. “The Westin Poinsett hosts approximately 60 weddings and many rehearsal dinners and receptions a year. You have only one shot at a wedding; there is no do-over, so we better get it right the first time.”
Physically, Greenville has grown in recent years, Unterzaucher says, but the “spirit of Greenville” endures.
“There is a drive to make this the best place to live and work in the country,” says Unterzaucher. “COVID has changed people’s behavior; for many professionals, being able to work from home or a shared workspace has opened the possibilities to move to a warmer climate—to a city that is known for their friendly people, terrific outdoors for a healthy lifestyle, a great arts scene, wonderful restaurants, and a low crime rate. Greenville is the perfect place to be.”
The award-winning hotelier leans back in his chair, sunlight flashes in his eyes, and he gestures at the beautiful lobby of the hotel he’s managed for nearly two decades. “It is also a perfect place to escape to.”
