The Challenge of Being Historic: A Chat with The Oaks Andy Warner

A few weeks ago, The Oaks Waterfront Hotel in Royal Oak became an official member of a highly exclusive club in the United States. The Oaks is one of only 300 hotels in the country that belong to the Historic Hotels of America network, which has the common purpose of preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance. Equally important, the network helps market these landmark inns and resorts to travelers seeking those unique, period-authentic accommodations.

The other commonality for most of these venues is the extraordinary effort it takes in terms of the costs of maintaining these historic assets. As any old home owner knows firsthand, keeping things the way they were does not come cheap. The cost of upkeep, along with competition from modern, state-of-the-art hotels, makes preserving these historic gems a significant personal and financial commitment, requiring time, resources, and passion.

Tackling those challenges at The Oaks is part of the job of general manager Andy Warner. A relative newcomer in the world of hospitality, Andy and his wife decided a few years ago to join her parents in making this remarkable estate a Mid-Shore destination for lodging, dining, and special events.  In his Spy interview, Andy talks about this sudden shift in careers and how The Oaks is gaining traction by maintaining high service standards and a welcoming environment with this family-run business.

This video is approximately four minutes in length. For more information about The Oaks please go here. 

AI Disclosure: The Spy and its writers may use artificial intelligence tools to support accuracy and clarity in our reporting.

0 Responses

  1. Andy, since you have become one of the few historic hotels in America, you need to emphasize your history. You buildings are beautiful and you’ve done a fantastic job redoing the decor.
    We are local and have been to your wonderful restaurant but I had no idea of your history.

  2. Heartiest congratulations to The Oaks on your well-deserved designation as one of the Historic Hotels of America! Your commitment to restoring this beautiful property is truly commendable.

Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article

We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to the Spy
Receive daily intelligence reports right to your inbox

Dr. Walley New Provider (300x500)
Ad 4 Talbot Spy Rotating Ad 300x500px Chuck Mangold Jr
Talbot Spy Free Admission.jpg
2.png
unnamed
TalbotSpy Ad 2023.jpg
MSO March 2026
Waterfowl Festival 2026
Piazza Market April Vietti wine.jpg
eswa ad talbot spy FINAL
Wye School 300 x 500.jpg
MSCF 300x500 2.jpg
Spy Donor Thank You Ad
Jan Kirsh October blue grape screen October
unnamed
CBEC format 2 restore copy.jpg
Pickering Creek birdseed sale Oct 2026 copy
FAS NOSE SPY 300x500.jpg
Oysterfest Talbot Spy
763ACTS 2020 DigitalAd BaC 300x500 final.jpg
Forum Spy Ad 8 20 26
GunstonGolfTourn 300x500 1.jpg
Avalon May 2023 copy.jpg
Morgan Stanley 1 copy
Allegro Academy August 2026
0.jpeg
CCHS resize copy 1.jpg
massoni castelli DR Spy Artboard 1
0.png
Qlarant Spy ad 8 13 2025.jpg
Bay County Chorus April 2026 copy
massoni castelli DR Spy Artboard 1