MainStay Suites Chesapeake in Chesapeake, Virginia, is now open. The three-story, 77-room property, owned by Ray Patel, is the first new-construction hotel to feature Choice Hotels' proprietary “Lobby in a Box” and “Kitchen in a Box” packages for extended-stay customers.
It features a multi-functional lobby with a marketplace for meals, travel items and flexible seating, while enabling easy installation of in-room kitchens, Choice said in a statement.
“Choice Hotels’ packages have helped us add efficiency and value to this newly built property and elevate the extended-stay experience for our guests,” said Patel. “From the on-the-go marketplace to the multi-use lobby to in-room kitchens, these innovations create a functional experience tailored to travelers in the Chesapeake market.”
The project was designed by Parth Hospitality, led by Parth Thakkar, with construction by Thor, Jr. and architecture by Tymoff + Moff Architects.
“As we continue our momentum in the extended-stay category, MainStay Suites Chesapeake marks a milestone as the first new-construction hotel to feature Lobby in a Box,” said Matt McElhare, Choice Hotels’ vice president of extended-stay brands. “These innovations provide a turnkey approach that allows franchisees to meet the rising demand for extended-stay accommodations efficiently, while enhancing the guest experience with spaces that feel like home.”
The property installed more than 330 solar panels, partly funded by a Small Business Administration loan for energy-efficient projects with support from Hebron Savings Bank, the statement said.
Ron Burgett, Choice Hotels’ senior vice president of extended-stay development, said the company is committed to helping franchisees maximize their investment with efficient, high-quality solutions that address market needs.
“By integrating Kitchen in a Box and Lobby in a Box into new construction projects, we empower owners to meet rising demand in the extended-stay segment with efficiency, flexibility, and guest-focused design,” he said. “This turnkey approach supports growth while advancing innovation in hotel development and conversions.”
In October, Choice unveiled "Lobby in a Box," a modular design package that streamlines extended-stay hotel conversions and enhances the guest experience.
