A Reynolds Plantation resident just launched an international boutique hotel brand in the U.S., Brazil and India.

The man, John Russell, is an owner of the popular Icehouse Restaurant in Madison and the Magnolia Gardens near Reynolds Plantation with other well-known hospitality executives Tom Hewitt and local residents Paul O’Neil and Tom Findlay. A 35-year hospitality veteran, Russell is a former Chairman of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) and CEO of the new boutique brand, MODO Hotel http://www.modohotels.com.

Describing itself as “The Hotel, Remixed,” MODO presents a new take on hospitality that is stylish, affordable and musically inspired. The brand targets major markets across the globe, including New York, Miami, Kansas City and Los Angeles. Over the next three years, full-service MODO hotels will roll out in Brazil’s fastest growing cities of Sao Paulo, Campinas, Curitiba, Vitoria and Manaus. Additionally, in the second half of this year, a MODO sister brand of budget hotels will premier in India. A minimum of five lodgings will launch under the MODO sister brand during the next three years in the thriving Indian cities of Chennai, Tuticorin, Kakinada, Vizag and Vellore.

“With the economy starting to come back, the timing is right, and there are numerous properties and sites out there that present excellent opportunities,” Russell says.

“Thanks to the preponderance of the Internet and social media, demand is strong for outstanding lifestyle products in economic centers worldwide. MODO will leverage these opportunities with exciting new approaches in the U.S. and internationally.”

MODO features a striking Bauhaus loft design with a concrete-and-glass construction and soaring ceilings with exposed beams. In each hotel, music will take center stage. With its vast collection of vinyl records, CDs and MP3 content, MODO will spotlight independent artists around the globe.

Full-service MODO hotels will house 100 or more rooms outfitted with free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, HD televisions and indie music on demand. Other MODO staples include: a high-energy restaurant-lounge, courtyard, pool, meeting and event space, business center, library, retail shop and gym. Cool and comfortable MODO will be stylish, without attitude. Rates at full-service properties in the U.S. are targeted to range from $90 – $150 per night with the exception some of the larger gateway cities.

Russell says MODO’s moderate rates are due, in part, to design and construction innovations that will cut building costs by at least 20 percent compared to other lodgings in the same class. Franchising is slated to begin later this year. Additional expansion is planned through acquisitions, new development and conversions of existing properties. Among the target countries are China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka.