Home2 Suites by Hilton, announced the opening of its first dual-branded property in collaboration with Hampton Hotels, the international brand of nearly 1,900 mid-priced properties worldwide.

Located in Huntsville, Ala., the hotel houses two distinct brands under one roof — the 77-suite Home2 Suites and a 98-room Hampton Inn & Suites — each catering to diverse market segments with enhanced amenities and offerings.

“Home2 Suites by Hilton’s dual-branded model is designed to maximize resources while minimizing costs for owners and developers,” said Bill Duncan, global head, Home2 Suites by Hilton. “These cost savings allow two leading brands to give business and leisure travelers access to a value-conscious product and high-quality services in one convenient location where they want to stay.”
“Hampton Hotels is in the midst of an exciting growth period and this new dual-branded property is an indicator of what’s to come from us in the future,” said Phil Cordell, global head, focused service and Hampton brand management, Hilton Worldwide. “This type of project is an innovative way for us to open the door to travelers new to the Hampton brand, letting them experience our signature amenities including our free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi and the clean and fresh Hampton bed®. We’re excited to see this hotel open as dual builds are a terrific way to streamline operating costs for our franchisees and ensure efficiencies across the board.”

Located at 7010 Unit #3, Governor’s West Drive in Huntsville, Ala., the four-story hotel complex features shared meeting spaces, pool facilities and a joint fitness center that can be enjoyed by all guests. The property services business travelers visiting Fortune 500 companies, manufacturing centers and retail corporations located in the area. Huntsville is also home to the Army’s Redstone Arsenal, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and Cummings Research Park, among other industries. The hotel also caters to tourists visiting the area’s many attractions, including the Huntsville Botanical Garden, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, and the Alabama Constitution Village, among others.

Hilton Worldwide has selected premier hotel development/management services firm LBA Hospitality to serve as this project’s third-party manager. Beau Benton, LBA President says, “We are thrilled to be a key part of another Hilton Worldwide first; our General Manager Chrissy Wadsworth and her team are fully-prepared to provide our guests with ‘Southern hospitality’ at a great value.”

Home2 Suites currently operates 16 hotels with 14 under construction and a strong development pipeline of nearly 70 planned properties within the next eight years. For Hampton Hotels, the new property joins nearly 1,900 mid-priced properties worldwide and more than 80 domestic and international properties expected to open in 2013. Additionally, the new property is expected to bring 45-50 jobs to the Huntsville area.