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.
Rep. Aaron Bean delivers keynote addressPhoto credit: AAHOA
