NATIONAL REPORT—The Pod Hotels opened its new flagship location in the heart of New York’s Times Square, while three properties from SureStay by Best Western are among several openings across the country.
Pod Times Square
The Pod Hotels recently opened its flagship property, Pod Times Square, in Manhattan. A BD Hotels property, it becomes the fifth asset in the Pod Hotel collection.
The hotel’s micro-model has the highest percentage of occupancy across the entire BD Hotels portfolio, according to the company. It is the biggest Pod to date and offers accommodations that are a first for the Pod Hotels brand: micro-apartments.
The property expands on the micro-hotel concept, offering 45 Pod Pads—micro living suites varying from 600-800 sq. ft., available for those interested in extended-stay options or long-term leases. Exclusively available for Pod Pad tenants, the property provides a fitness center and guest lounge on the top floor.
The hotel includes two Major Food Group concepts: a Tiki Bar located in the third-floor lobby, and Parm, a casual Italian-American restaurant, located in the ground-floor space.
Across 28 floors, 665 rooms—in addition to the 45 Pod Pads—each about 115 sq. ft., include queen and bunk bed configurations, with features like built-in storage and high-tech amenities.
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western
The SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St. Louis Airport has 87 guestrooms and five suites, with microwaves and mini fridges. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness facility, complimentary hot breakfast and free wireless internet. The hotel has an onsite sports bar located off of the main lobby, and two meeting rooms, each with a capacity of up to 400 people.
The SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Antonio Northeast has 26 guestrooms and 30 suites, with flat-screen televisions, microwaves and mini fridges. The hotel offers an outdoor pool, complimentary hot breakfast and free wireless internet throughout.
The SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Point Richmond in California recently opened after a remodel. The hotel has 108 guestrooms and five suites, all with microwaves, in-room coffeemakers and mini fridges. It offers an outdoor pool, fitness center, a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, free wireless internet and 3,500 sq. ft. of meeting and event space.
Sheraton Redding at the Sundial Bridge
The Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge in California recently opened its doors. The 130-room hotel is located on the grounds of the 300-acre Turtle Bay Exploration Park and stands next to the Sundial Bridge, one of the world’s largest working sundials. The LEED-certified property has 80,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor function space on the grounds of the park.
“The idea for the Sheraton Redding at the Sundial Bridge was born of necessity,” said Mike Warren, president/CEO of Turtle Bay Exploration Park. “We needed to find a way for the park to become more self-sufficient from a funding standpoint. All hotel profits benefit Turtle Bay Exploration Park and its programs.”
The $20-million construction project took two years to complete following several years of planning. The property is owned by SSR (Sheraton Sundial Redding) a corporation that was started by the Turtle Bay Exploration Park specifically to support the hotel project. SSR worked with local businesses whenever possible, hiring Redding-based contractors, architects and crews. SSR contracted AZUL Hospitality Group to manage the property.
Holston House
Holston House in Nashville, TN, is the newest addition to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. The 191-room premier boutique hotel is located in an 88-year-old Art Deco building. The James Robertson Hotel building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984.
Accommodations and amenities include four one-bedroom suites, two signature 12th-floor Penthouse Suites, a fitness center and a series of food and beverage offerings created by New York-based APICII restaurant group including a signature restaurant, lobby bar and lounge, as well as a rooftop pool bar.
The hotel’s interior was designed by Stonehill Taylor.
Hampton Inn & Suites Midtown Miami
Hampton Inn & Suites Midtown Miami has 151 guestrooms, an outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, complimentary breakfast bar, meeting spaces and a business center.
The interior of the hotel was designed by the Moniomi team. Inspired by the surrounding neighborhood that is home to Miami’s famed Art Basel, the design team used industrial materials like concrete and wood coupled with blue and green tones that give a nod to the surrounding beach communities.
