By the spring of 2014, travelers looking for accommodations in downtown Halifax will have two new hotel options at the former site of the Citadel Halifax Hotel.  Homewood Suites by Hilton, the international brand of upscale, all-suite, residential-style hotels, and Hampton Hotels, the award-winning leader in the mid-priced hotel segment, together with SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts announced a new brand partnership at an event downtown.  The announcement marks the arrival of the city’s first dual-branded hotel project and Homewood Suites’ first hotel in the province, as well as a commitment by SilverBirch to bring additional Hilton Worldwide properties to the Canada market.

Both hotels will be constructed simultaneously and housed within two 13-story towers.  Located in downtown Halifax, on Brunswick and Cogswell streets, the $62 million redevelopment will have a combined 316 units and will include a shared conference center, as well as a fitness center, retail space and parking. During construction the project is expected to create 250 new jobs and will open as early as May of 2014.

“We are pleased to partner with Hilton Worldwide to deliver two industry-leading brands and to contribute to the vibrancy of downtown Halifax,” said Steve Giblin, President and CEO of SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts.  “By building the Hampton Inn & Suites and Homewood Suites side by side, we will better accommodate a wide range of lodging needs for both the business and leisure travelers visiting Halifax.”

Today’s event provided an opportunity for SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts to not only discuss this exciting partnership, but also to share future growth plans encompassing a variety of Hilton Worldwide’s word-class brands.  Canada has become a major growth market for Hilton’s focused service hotels. The Homewood Suites/Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Halifax hotel represents the seventh Homewood Suites property in development in Canada. Hampton Hotels currently has 19 projects under development in the Canada market.

“We are looking forward to a longstanding partnership with SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts and the first of many projects over the coming years,” Craig Mance, senior vice president, North America Development, Hilton Worldwide. “The Homewood Suites / Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton dual-branded hotel will meet the growing demand in the market and continue both brands’ Canadian expansion efforts, while simultaneously offering guests the proven efficiencies of this development model pioneered by Hilton’s focused service brands.”