The Kennewick-based company is led by Gurbir Sandhu
By Vishnu Rageev RDec 24, 2024
IGNITE HOTELS RECENTLY acquired the 126-key WaterWalk Phoenix North Happy Valley in Phoenix, marking WaterWalk Holding Company’s first asset sale. WaterWalk Hospitality will continue managing the property under the WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham brand, forming a new partnership with Ignite.
Ignite Hotels, based in Kennewick, Washington, is led by President Gurbir Sandhu.
“We are excited to partner with WaterWalk Hospitality as our management company and the Wyndham team,” said Sandhu. “This collaboration allows us to capitalize on the potential of the extended-stay market while leveraging WaterWalk’s expertise in operations and guest satisfaction.”
The Phoenix property, a mix of furnished and unfurnished units, debuted as the first Gen2 prototype in 2023, the companies said in a joint statement. The Gen 2.0 prototype prioritizes efficient design and lower operating costs.
The hotel is near major business hubs, shopping, dining and outdoor attractions.
WaterWalk, was founded by the late Jack DeBoer and is led by CEO Mimi Oliver, DeBoer's granddaughter.
In April, Wyndham and WaterWalk launched "WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham," with plans to introduce up to 11 hotels and more than 1,500 rooms in markets like Tucson, Jacksonville, and Wichita. The launch marked Wyndham's 25th brand, complementing its economy and mid-scale extended-stay offerings.
Oliver called the sale of WaterWalk Phoenix North Happy Valley a proud moment for the team and a testament to the strength of the WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham brand.
“This milestone showcases our ability to develop upscale extended-stay properties and demonstrates our success as a trusted management company,” Oliver said. “We are thrilled to partner with Ignite Hotels and look forward to building a strong relationship focused on hospitality excellence.”
The collaboration combines WaterWalk Hospitality's expertise and Ignite Hotels' commitment to the brand, ensuring a seamless experience for guests and stakeholders, the statement said.
Sonesta launched Americas Best Value Studios, an extended-stay version of ABVI.
The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping.
The brand meets demand for longer-term, value-focused stays.
SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS Corp. launched Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta, an extended-stay version of its franchised brand, Americas Best Value Inn. The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping, optional fitness center and lobby market along with standard brand requirements.
The brand aims to address the growing demand for longer-term, value-driven accommodations, Sonesta said in a statement.
"Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta represents a strategic evolution of our trusted Americas Best Value Inn brand," Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s executive vice president and president of franchise development, said. "We are expanding our offerings to directly address the increasing demand within the extended-stay segment, providing a practical solution for travelers seeking longer-term lodging at value. This new brand type allows our local franchised owner-operators to tap into a growing market while maintaining the community-focused experience that Americas Best Value Inn is known for."
ABVI has a majority presence in secondary and tertiary markets, the statement said.
The extended-stay brand’s operational model features a front desk, bi-weekly housekeeping, on-site laundry and pet-friendly accommodations, Sonesta said. Guests can also earn or redeem points through the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.
In August, Sonesta named Stayntouch its preferred property management system after a two-year review of its ability to support the company’s franchise model. The company operates more than 1,100 properties with more than 100,000 rooms across 13 brands on three continents.
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