Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a dual-branded Hilton Garden Inn and Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel in Columbia, S.C. Franchisee, Gervais Street Hotel, LLC and development and management company, CN Hotels, Inc., will rebrand, convert and expand the historic Clarion Hotel Downtown to a 110-room Hilton Garden Inn and 100-room Home2 Suites located at 1615 Gervais Street in Columbia. This development is slated to open in 2016 and will join Hilton Worldwide’s current portfolio of 16 Hilton Worldwide dual-branded hotels.
“The signing of the dual-branded Hilton Garden Inn and Home2 Suites Columbia Downtown marks a strategic implementation for us in a top market,” said Phil Cordell, global head, focused service and Hampton brand management, Hilton Worldwide. “Dual-branded hotels allow us to uniquely offer guests a variety of accommodation options, while also providing franchisees cost and operational efficiencies.”
Situated in the hub of Columbia’s business district, the soon-to-be converted hotel is central to the State Capitol building, University of South Carolina and Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The location is ideal for leisure travelers with close proximity to Williams-Brice Stadium, State Museum and Riverbanks Zoo. With the diverse range of hotel rooms, suites and amenities the brands will bring to the location, all types of travelers will be equally comfortable under its roof.
To bring a sense of community to the space, the two hotels will share some amenities and services, while still maintaining each brand’s individuality. Hilton Garden Inn, known for its upscale yet affordable accommodations, will offer 5,500 sq. ft. of meeting space, an outdoor pool and Carolina’s Restaurant that will reflect the local Southern flair. Home2 Suites, Hilton Worldwide’s mid-tier, all-suite hotel brand, will offer flexible and comfortable modern suites, 800 sq. ft. of meeting space as well as a commitment to sustainable products and operations. Sharing the indoor pool, outdoor garden and fire pit plus free Wi-Fi throughout all guest rooms, the hotel will take advantage of the best of both brands.
“We look forward to bringing together these two Hilton Worldwide brands, which are known for their innovation and guest satisfaction,” said Jayesh N. Patel, vice president, CN Hotels, Inc. “With the new dual-branded Home2 Suites and Hilton Garden Inn, Columbia will have great appeal to business and leisure travelers alike.”
Hilton Garden Inn guests will enjoy a 24-hour business center with Print Spots remote printing, state-of-the-art fitness center, and an indoor pool. Carolina’s Restaurant will offer a full cooked-to-order breakfast, dinner, cocktails*, and evening room service. The Pavilion Pantry is open 24 hours and features a complete selection of salty snacks, sweet treats, cold beverages as well as freshly prepared, frozen and microwaveable packaged items. Each guest room boasts the brand’s signature bedding featuring fresh, white duvets and crisp linens; a spacious and clutter free work desk, with an ergonomic desk chair; and an in-room “hospitality center” with a mini fridge, microwave oven and Keurig coffee maker.
Guests experience easy access to technology, inviting community spaces, and trademark Home2 Suites amenities standard in all properties such as: the Oasis lobby area, the Home2 MKT for grab-and-go items, and the Spin2 Cycle a combined laundry and fitness area. A complimentary continental breakfast is also available at the Inspired Table that includes a variety of morning favorites like a hot breakfast sandwich. The hotel has many outdoor features including: a heated saline pool, gas grills for guests’ uses and a fire pit. All Home2 Suites by Hilton properties are pet-friendly.
Hilton Garden Inn and Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbia Downtown will participate in Hilton HHonors, the only hotel rewards program that offers Points & Miles® and No Blackout Dates.
