Urban markets focus for Hilton’s extended-stay brands

The brands’ surge of urban development is a direct result of metro areas receiving more attention for residential development, as well as an increasing demand from business and leisure travelers for midscale to upscale, value-driven suite accommodations in prime metro markets. According to the Urban Land Institute, a majority of Americans would choose smaller housing in favor of a shorter commute and prefer neighborhoods close to shops, restaurants and offices, indicating a demand for extended-stay hotels to provide more downtown lodging options to capture the growing number of extended-stay business guests that share this desire. Leisure travel to America’s top urban destinations is also on the rise. In New York City for example, total visitors increased by more than 1.6 million from 2012 to 2013 alone.

“The value-added amenities and cost-conscious price points of our extended-stay hotels, combined with the comfort and convenience that our brands are known for make Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites ideal for bustling downtown areas where guests are looking for proximity to attractions, shopping and nightlife,” said Bill Duncan, global head, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton. Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites have proven to be leaders in implementing flexible building models in downtown markets with limited space. The number of failed apartment and office complexes and existing historic centers that can be found in urban areas make adaptive reuse projects an appealing option for developers looking to bring hotel products into markets with limited options for new construction. Home2 Suites will open a new adaptive reuse hotel in downtown Atlanta in Q3 2015.Similarly, the dual-build concept, which enables two brands to come together in one complex but occupy a smaller space and create operational efficiencies, has allowed both Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites to grow their footprint in cities with very little land to build new hotels. Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites currently have 13 dual-brand properties open. Homewood Suites’ recently launched a new prototype that further takes advantage of urban markets where construction space is limited, allowing owners to incorporate up to 85 percent studio suites, and to meet local market demands. This prototype is one way the brand continues to innovate to meet the needs of owners and guests.”The evolution of urban development has required flexibility in extended-stay hotels as well as a different approach to implementing the product and service our customers love,” added Duncan. “Our ability to own that flexibility and the innovation of the Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites building models is what enables us to break in to high-barrier to entry downtown markets.”Upcoming Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites urban center properties to open in 2015 and 2016 include the following:

Home2 Suites Albuquerque/Downtown-University, NM	Feb. 2015	New Build
Homewood Suites Miami Downtown/Brickell, FL	April 2015	New Build
Homewood Suites Cincinnati-Downtown, OH	April 2015	Dual-Build (Hampton Inn)
Homewood Suites Savannah Historic District / Riverfront, GA	April 2015	New Build
Home2 Suites Tuscaloosa Downtown, AL	May 2015	New Build
Homewood Suites Little Rock-Downtown, AR	June 2015	New Build
Home2 Suites Atlanta/Downtown, GA	Aug. 2015	Adaptive Reuse
Homewood Suites Washington, DC/New York Avenue	Aug. 2015	New Build
Homewood Suites Pittsburgh-Downtown, PA	Sep. 2015	New Build
Homewood Suites Richmond, VA	Sep. 2015	Dual-Build (Hampton Inn)
Homewood Suites Washington / Convention Center Area, DC	YE 2015	New Build
Homewood Suites San Diego Downtown / Bayside, CA	Jan. 2016	Dual-Build (Hilton Garden Inn)
Homewood Suites Houston Downtown, TX	April 2016	Dual-Build (Hampton Inn)
Home2 Suites Los Angeles Downtown, CA	July 2016	New Build
Home2 Suites Columbia/Downtown, SC	June 2016	New Build
Homewood Suites Birmingham Downtown, AL	June 2016	New Build
Homewood Suites Washington, DC / U.S. Capitol-Ballpark Area	Aug. 2016	New Build
Home2 Suites Kansas City/Downtown, MO	Nov. 2016	New Build

Homewood Suites by Hilton provides travelers amenities and services that maximize their travel budget, including complimentary internet, daily full-hot breakfast and evening dinner and drinks Monday through Thursday*.  In addition, Homewood Suites’ more than 350 all-suite hotels boast fully equipped kitchens, separate sleeping and living spaces, a complimentary grocery shopping service** and recreational options to stay active – all amenities that enable travelers to be at home and make life on the road more about life and less about the road.

Nearly 50 hotels in its portfolio, Home2 Suites by Hilton offers easy access to technology and inviting community spaces, as well as the trademark Home2 Suites amenities standard in all properties, such as the Oasis lobby area, the Home2 MKT for grab-and-go items, the Spin2 Cycle, a combined laundry and fitness area, and complimentary continental breakfast at the Inspired Table that includes a variety of morning favorites like a hot breakfast sandwich. Home2 Suites’ all-suite hotels feature full kitchens and a business center with complimentary internet and wireless printing. All Home2 Suites properties are pet-friendly.

*Service of alcohol subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age. **Guest pays for groceries. Other restrictions apply.