NATIONAL REPORT—The Quality Inn brand has reached a milestone with the opening of its 1,600th U.S. hotel in Bellevue, WA. Here’s a look at that and more debuts.
Quality Inn Opens 1,600th U.S. Property
The Quality Inn brand has reached its 1,600th property with the opening of the Quality Inn Bellevue in Washington.
“Quality Inn was founded nearly 80 years ago and is known for its pioneering history, superior hospitality and exceptional value for guests and owners,” said Anne Smith, VP of brand management, design and compliance with Choice Hotels. “And as the most in-demand midscale conversion brand, the Quality brand is as relevant as ever. I can’t think of a more fitting hotel to mark this achievement than the Quality Inn Bellevue, which is nestled in the scenic Pacific Northwest and represents the best of the brand.”
The Quality Inn Bellevue property is owned by Andy Cho of S1 Hospitality Management LLC. Cho, who has more than 15 years of industry experience, began his career as a hotelier through his family’s business and has grown from working at the front desk to owning and managing a hotel portfolio that includes several Choice-branded hotels, such as the Quality Inn & Suites Pacific–Auburn property.
Hotel Indigo Arrives in Gainesville
Peachtree Hotel Group (PHG) and Celebration Pointe Holdings have opened the 140-room Hotel Indigo property at Celebration Pointe. The hotel will be operated by PHG.
“The Hotel Indigo Gainesville is one of the anchor tenants of Celebration Pointe, north central Florida’s premier mixed-use development, complete with the area’s finest dining, entertainment, business and living options,” said Lee Shuman, PHG director of project management. “Gainesville has long since grown beyond being just a ‘college town,’ and Celebration Pointe is designed to capture the growing number of business and leisure travelers to the community.”
The six-story hotel has plush bedding, hard-surface flooring with area rugs and spa-inspired bathrooms. The Hotel Indigo Gainesville also provides a neighborhood bar with seasonal and locally sourced food in a stylish environment.
The Alida Debuts In Savannah, GA
Rockbridge has opened The Alida in Savannah, GA. The 173-room hotel is positioned along the historic Savannah River St. in the warehouse district.
Bordered by breweries, distilleries and some of the city’s best shopping, The Alida offers three restaurant and bar concepts, including a rooftop bar; Keep Shop, a signature retail concept; a year-round, heated and chilled salt water pool; and a design aesthetic highlighted by oversized windows.
Rockbridge’s vision has been focused on building a comfortable and hospitable destination through The Alida, filled with thoughtful design elements and creative programming intended to entertain and engage guests and locals alike.
To bring this property to life, Rockbridge enlisted partner and collaborator Makeready to help with the concept, design and operation.
The Alida aims to embody the warmth and hospitality of its namesake, Alida Harper Fowlkes. A savvy, self-made woman who opened up her home to weary travelers, she truly defined what hospitality meant to the city of Savannah, GA, according to the company.
Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch Opens Doors
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has added Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch to its portfolio.
The new hotel increases the Sonesta footprint in Arizona to three properties, joining the existing Sonesta ES Suites Tucson and Sonesta ES Suites Flagstaff, and marks its first full-service property in the state.
The property has 162 studio, one- and two- bedroom suites. On-site dining options include The Hearth Room, serving a complimentary full breakfast buffet and evening reception with appetizers, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages; and The Terrace Bar, overlooking the courtyard and offering an al fresco setting with a selection of signature cocktails and a lunch menu in season. Additional amenities include complimentary WiFi, a fitness center with heated pool and hot tub, gardens including fire pits, complimentary shuttle service (transporting guests to destinations within 5-miles of the hotel) and 2,500 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, plus dining and outdoor entertaining space for corporate or private events.
Aparium Hotel Group Brings Hu. Hotel To Memphis
Aparium Hotel Group has opened Hu. Hotel in Memphis, TN.
Located in the former Tennessee Trust building, the 110-key hotel will serve as an anchor for both the community and travelers alike offering multiple food and beverage concepts including Hu. Cafe, an all-day ground level café; the adjacent Hu. Diner, a contemporary take on the classic southern diner; and Hu. Roof, a year-round rooftop bar and lounge.
In addition to local flavor, art will be central to the Hu. Hotel identity. Grammy Award Winning producer Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell and Royal Studios will curate music programming to be enjoyed across the hotel. Additionally, the lobby will function as a rotating art exhibit space, including both well-known and up-and-coming Memphis artists.