SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, LED by Nikesh Shah as president, recently broke ground on the first Extended Stay America Select Suites prototype in Wildwood, Florida. The 124-room, 4-story property is slated to open in early 2025, Extended Stay America said in a statement.
“As the extended-stay segment leader, we are excited to unveil the Extended Stay America Select Suites prototype as we begin construction on the first property,” said Mark Williams, ESA’s managing director of franchise development. “The new construction prototype represents the next phase in the strategic growth of our economy extended-stay brand.”
The Extended Stay America Select Suites prototype aims to provide efficiency and practicality for longer-stay guests, the statement said. The property, spanning slightly over 50,000 square feet and constructed on 1.75 acres, includes apartment-like suites with full kitchens and on-site laundry.
“Since debuting in 2022 with nearly 100 properties, we have received tremendous interest from developers to build a Select Suites hotel as well as conversion opportunities,” Williams added. “We support companies like Southern Hospitality who invest in their communities to provide extended-stay accommodations in a thriving market.”
The ESA at Wildwood is near major transportation routes: Interstate 75, the Turnpike, State Road 44, and U.S. Route 301, the statement added. It houses manufacturing, distribution, and agricultural centers such as Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, Crevalle Boats, Gresco Utility Supply, Mapei, and Primus Pipe & Tube. It is close to The Villages, UF Health and HCA Florida Hospitals, GatorWorld Parks of Florida and local golf courses.
“We look forward to building the first new Extended Stay America Select Suites and providing affordable accommodations in Wildwood,” said Shah. “The Select Suites prototype has a clean and simple design, which benefits hotel developers and operators. We were initially attracted to Extended Stay America given their track record in providing enhanced long-term guest experiences and satisfaction, as well as solid returns for its investors. It has been a pleasure to work with such a collaborative and supportive team during the planning phases of this project, and we look forward to continued success with the brand.”
In January, the Extended Stay America Suites in Baytown, Texas, owned by Wayside Investment Group, led by President Miraj Patel, reopened after renovations. The upgrades encompass guestrooms, public spaces, and the exterior.
