IHG HOTELS & RESORTS recently introduced new prototype options for its three suites brands – Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, and Atwell Suites – focusing on space and efficiency while maintaining key features from current designs. These prototypes are scheduled to be available by the second quarter of 2024, with the first properties featuring them expected to open as early as 2025, IHG said in a statement.
Initially, the prototype designs will only be accessible to U.S. properties, with the possibility of future adoption in Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
“IHG continues to build on our nearly three decades of leadership in the extended-stay and suites space by evolving our prototype designs to increase owner value while offering the spaces and amenities short- and long-term travelers value most,” said Kevin Schramm, IHG’s senior vice president for development, mainstream brands, U.S. and Canada. “Our new concepts reflect guest and owner feedback, and enable new and existing owners to deliver our modern suite experiences—in various forms—to more markets without compromising consistency or quality.”
These options increase the choices for all three brands, providing owners and developers to customize offerings for their market and site, including new build, conversion, dual-brand, or adaptive-reuse properties, according to IHG. Specific dimensions and key counts will vary, but the focus is on preserving in-room storage, kitchen space, and communal food and beverage areas.
Key components of the new design options include:
- Staybridge Suites: The introduction of the new Smart Studio room configuration, provides developers with the option of a narrower room bay, reduced from 16 to 13 feet. Designed for shorter-stay guests, this room type could make up to 25 percent of the overall room mix. These guest suites include streamlined kitchen equipment and fixtures, optimized millwork cabinetry, and designated work, sleep and relaxation zones.
- Candlewood Suites: The Beacon 4.2 variation alters the brand's 2019 design by optimizing land usage and increasing building density. It includes slimmer room bays (from 15 feet, 3 inches to 12 feet, 6 inches) with kitchens and recliners, along with flexible room mixes, and designated social, semi-private, and communal lobby working areas. This new prototype has the potential to add up to 12 keys on a similarly sized site.
- Atwell Suites: Developers can now choose between two lobby configurations for Atwell Suites properties. The new one-story, centrally loaded model is available alongside the existing two-story end loaded design, maintaining flexible work, lounge, and bar and dining spaces. An additional slimmer room bay option (12 feet, 6 inches versus 16 feet, 8 inches) includes a wet bar, sofa, and work desk, potentially adding up to 12 keys on a similarly sized site.
IHG manages more than 6,300 hotels across 19 global brands, with its three suites brands totaling more than 700 properties worldwide, mainly in the Americas. Staybridge Suites celebrated its 25th anniversary, and Candlewood Suites expanded to over 520 hotels since 1996, including recent openings in Salt Lake City and Houston. Atwell Suites opened its third U.S. property in Austin, Texas, joining locations in Denver and Miami.
Meanwhile, Hilton recently introduced a new North American prototype and refreshed global brand identity for its Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites brands. The prototype is scheduled for its inaugural hotel opening in early 2025.
