Wyndham Unveils WaterWalk Extended Stay: Elevating Upscale Extended Stay Hotels
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is making a significant expansion into the upscale extended stay market through a strategic partnership with industry pioneer WaterWalk. This collaboration introduces the WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham brand, marking the addition of 11 hotels and over 1,500 rooms to Wyndham’s already diverse portfolio, now boasting 25 distinct brands.
Strategically located in prime markets such as Tucson, Jacksonville, and Wichita, these new offerings are designed to complement Wyndham’s existing economy and midscale extended stay options. They aim to cater to guests who seek both local flavor and elevated comforts during longer stays.
An Evolution in Extended Stay: WaterWalk’s Innovative Model
Founded by Jack DeBoer, a recognized leader in the extended stay segment, WaterWalk is a testament to innovation in hospitality. DeBoer, known for establishing major brands like Residence Inn and Candlewood Suites, launched WaterWalk in 2014. Today, under the guidance of his granddaughter, CEO Mimi Oliver, the brand continues to thrive on its founder’s legacy, pushing the boundaries of what extended stays can offer.
WaterWalk distinguishes itself with its unique LIVE|STAY model. This approach offers fully furnished STAY units for guests desiring a more traditional extended stay experience, while the LIVE units are unfurnished, allowing guests to personalize their space for longer-term living. This flexibility not only meets diverse customer needs but also benefits property owners and operators by adapting to changing market demands.
Expanding Horizons: WaterWalk and Wyndham’s Growth Trajectory
With the inclusion of WaterWalk, Wyndham now supports three extended stay brands, alongside ECHO SuitesSM Extended Stay by Wyndham and Hawthorn® Extended Stay by Wyndham. Notably, ECHO Suites has over 265 economy hotels under development, while Hawthorn saw a 30% growth in its pipeline in 2023.
This expansion reinforces Wyndham’s commitment to the extended stay market, catering to various customer segments from construction workers on long-term projects to digital nomads blending work and leisure. The addition of WaterWalk is set to capitalize on the significant infrastructure investments across the U.S., potentially tapping into an additional $3.3 billion in room revenue.
Wyndham Advantage: A Boost for Hotel Owners
Joining forces with Wyndham opens doors for WaterWalk hotels to benefit from the Wyndham Advantage, encompassing world-class marketing, robust distribution channels, and extensive support resources from one of the world’s leading hotel franchisors. Over the past five years, Wyndham has invested over $275 million in cutting-edge technology to enhance operational efficiency and profitability for hotel owners. This includes innovations in property and revenue management systems, mobile check-in/out capabilities, and OTA reconciliation.
Furthermore, hotel owners gain access to the Wyndham Rewards program, voted the number one hotel rewards program by USA Today readers, which boasts over 106 million members globally and accounts for nearly half of all U.S. check-ins.
Through this strategic expansion with WaterWalk, Wyndham not only broadens its reach in the upscale extended stay market but also enhances its portfolio with innovative lodging solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern travelers.