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Sonesta Essential opens in Columbus, GA

The hotel is owned by Kamlesh Halvawala

Sonesta Essential opens in Columbus, GA

Sonesta Essential Columbus is now open in Columbus, Georgia. The 88-room property at Veterans Court is owned by Kamlesh Halvawala.

"Sonesta Essential Columbus demonstrates our growing franchising capabilities and commitment to expanding our brand nationwide," said Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s executive vice president and president of franchise and development. “The opening underscores our focus on delivering a strong guest experience while expanding the brand’s footprint. As the fastest-growing brand in our portfolio, we’re proud to offer franchisees a proven investment opportunity."


The hotel is near the Springer Opera House, Chattahoochee RiverWalk, The Columbus Museum, the Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center, and Fort Moore. It features an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center.

Sonesta International Hotels signed 30 franchise agreements in the third quarter, adding nearly 2,150 keys across seven of its 13 brands while expanding in key markets and partnering with new and existing ownership groups.

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U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline Holds Steady in Q3

Report: U.S. hotel pipeline steady in Q3

Summary:

  • Pipeline steady at 6,205 projects and 728,416 rooms.
  • Extended-stay hotels represent 40 percent of projects.
  • Brand conversions hit a record 1,477 projects.

THE U.S. HOTEL construction pipeline held steady year-over-year in the third quarter, according to Lodging Econometrics. It comprises 6,205 projects with 728,416 rooms—unchanged in project count and up 1 percent in rooms from last year.

LE’s “Q3 2025 U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report” found that extended-stay hotels remain a key driver of development, representing 40 percent of projects and 34 percent of rooms.

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