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Trisha Pérez Kennealy didn’t take the traditional route into hospitality—like the revolutionaries before her, she blazed her own trail. With a Harvard degree and a background in finance, she pivoted from investment banking to innkeeping, transforming a set of historic buildings into The Inn at Hastings Park, a 22-room luxury boutique hotel and the only Relais & Châteaux property in the Boston area.
Nestled in Lexington, MA—just 15 miles northwest of Boston—the Inn sits steps from Lexington Green, where "the shot heard 'round the world" ignited the American Revolution. But Trisha wasn’t just opening a hotel; she set out to create an experience that blends history, luxury, and a true sense of place. More than just a retreat for travelers, the Inn has become a gathering space for the local community—a place where neighbors come together to celebrate, dine, and connect over the shared stories and heritage that make Lexington so special.
With accolades from Forbes Travel Guide and a recent recipient of Michelin’s prestigious Key designation, Trisha has made a name for herself as a hospitality powerhouse. And while running a celebrated inn is no small feat, she somehow finds balance—juggling life as a wife, mother of three, and even a competitive ballroom dancer.
In this exclusive chat with hertelier, Trisha shares herstory—from leaving finance for hospitality to reviving a historic property, the lessons learned, and how she’s gearing up for Lexington’s next big milestone: the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington in 2025. Saddle up, this is a good one!
Where did you grow up, and how did that influence your passion for hospitality?
I was born in New Jersey, but I spent my early childhood in Puerto Rico before moving with my family to Lexington, Massachusetts, when I was around 11 years old. Growing up in Puerto Rico, I was immersed in a vibrant culture where food, family, and community played a central role. My father was an entrepreneur, and I saw firsthand what it meant to build something from the ground up. When we moved to Lexington, I was captivated by the town’s deep history—it’s the birthplace of American liberty, after all. That sense of place, combined with my early love for hospitality, ultimately shaped my vision for The Inn at Hastings Park
What inspired you to move from finance to hospitality?
Inspired by my dad, I always knew I wanted to have my own business—it was just a matter of what kind. While working in finance, I kept coming back to my love of food and hospitality. It was during my time in London that I had an epiphany—I wanted food as my career, not just as a hobby. I attended Le Cordon Bleu while raising my first child, and that experience cemented my passion for hospitality.
What led you to establish The Inn at Hastings Park?
When I moved back to Lexington, I was struck by the absence of an inn in such a historically significant town. I started searching for properties that could serve as a boutique luxury inn, and in 2010, I found this one—a collection of historic buildings that had been an old age home. The property had great bones but needed a complete transformation. The zoning process took 18 months, and renovations another 18 months. It was a long and arduous journey, but I knew it would be worth it.
What were the biggest challenges in transforming the property into a luxury hotel?
Coalition building was crucial. Since the property was in a historic district, I had to navigate town meetings, zoning approvals, and community concerns. Some people opposed the project, but I learned the importance of telling my own story rather than letting others define it. The property needed all-new systems—everything had to be upgraded to meet luxury hospitality standards. We replaced foundations, upgraded HVAC systems, and installed high-end bathroom fittings. It was an extensive process.
The Inn is now part of Relais & Châteaux. Was that always a goal?
Absolutely. When conceptualizing the Inn, I looked at properties I admired, and most were Relais & Châteaux members. I wanted The Inn at Hastings Park to be part of that prestigious collection because of its commitment to unique, intimate properties with exceptional hospitality. From the start, I made sure we met their rigorous standards. It was a proud moment when we were accepted in 2014. If you have a vision, set high standards and go for it.
What inspired you to launch a culinary program at the Inn?
Teaching people how to cook has always been a passion of mine. At the Inn, we offer immersive culinary weekends, cooking lessons, and corporate events where teams learn to cook together. It’s an extension of my belief that food is a unifying experience. It also showcases the incredible local ingredients we use at our restaurant, Town Meeting.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as a hotelier?
First, own your story—if you don’t, someone else will. I learned this firsthand while navigating community opposition during the Inn’s development. Second, great hospitality is about intention—every detail at the Inn is deliberate, from the way we welcome guests to the cookies we serve in the reception area. Third, training is everything. A small independent hotel like ours needs to deliver the same level of service as a five-star resort, and that starts with investing in your team. Numbers matter, but hospitality is about heart. You need both to succeed.
A lesson that has stuck with me since childhood is the importance of being present. My father was an incredibly successful entrepreneur, yet no matter how busy he was, if I called his office, he always took my call. When he was with us, he was fully engaged. That’s something I’ve tried to emulate in my own life—when I’m at work, I’m focused on the business, and when I’m with my family, I try to be truly present with them.
Maybe my biggest lesson: you have to take care of yourself. Early on, I wasn’t as good at this—I was swamped with work, family, and community involvement, and I didn’t prioritize my own well-being. But I came to realize that setting boundaries and carving out time for myself wasn’t just beneficial—it was essential. Now, my workouts are non-negotiable, and I make space for personal passions like ballroom dancing. Taking care of myself ultimately makes me a better leader, business owner, daughter, wife, and mother.
What’s next for The Inn at Hastings Park?
We’re always evolving. We’re considering bringing back a fine dining concept that we changed during COVID and expanding our culinary programming. We recently hosted the national housekeeping summit for Relais & Châteaux North America, and we’re continuously refining our service standards to deliver an exceptional guest experience while honoring the Inn’s rich history.
As Lexington is the birthplace of the American Revolution, in 2025, we’ll commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington with special events, including a history-themed helicopter package, immersive dinners, and exclusive experiences. One of our most exciting offerings is the ‘One if by Land, Two if by Sea, Three If by Air’ Helicopter Package, which traces Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride from Boston to Lexington. Guests will also have the chance to attend a colonial-themed farm-to-table dinner, participate in a candlelight procession honoring Revere’s famous ride, and enjoy a special Patriots’ Day Champagne Brunch on April 19, 2025, after the annual battle reenactment. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse guests in history with a bit of modern luxury, of course!
Quickfire with Trisha
What’s your morning routine? I start my day with a workout—it’s non-negotiable. Then, I check in with my team, review guest feedback, and plan the day ahead. I try to be intentional with my time, whether it’s at the Inn, with my family, or engaging in activities that fuel my creativity and well-being.
What is your best travel hack? Travel light. Early on in my career I commuted between Boston and San Francisco for close to a year. I used some of the tricks I had learned from backpacking through Europe my summer after college to do this with only my work bag and my carry-on. Have a very focused wardrobe that mixes and matches, have a well packed toiletry kit, and have plenty of books downloaded on your phone–this was not so easy before the advent of the iphones and androids. My family and I traveled to Japan and Singapore for over two weeks with a roller board and a backpack each. Makes life so much easier.
What books, podcasts or movies are you into right now? My family will tell you that I always have a book in my hand as I read off of my iphone. I really enjoy historical fiction and was drawn to Kristin Hannah’s The Women and JoJo Moyes’ The Girl You Left Behind. The protagonists in these books are strong but not perfect. I am also enjoying the second season Rogue Heroes, which tells the story of the origin of the British Army Special Air Service. Again, the characters are courageous but not perfect. The scenery is beautiful and such a contrast to the brutality of war but these men and the female lead pulled off missions that many deemed impossible.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? I think the best advice was more of a lesson from my parents to believe in myself. I have always been ambitious and hardworking but that does not always mean you succeed at everything you do. I certainly learned that during the zoning process for the Inn. There were missteps along the way but I persevered by believing in myself, my vision and the unwavering belief that I could do it. Every day is a new opportunity to be better by learning something new and help those around us to do the same.