SAN ANTONIO Home2 Suites by Hilton has announced its third U.S. project, in San Antonio, days after announcing a project in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
The new midscale extended-stay brand that targets budget-conscious business and leisure travelers will be built inside San Antonio’s South Texas Building, known historically as the Central Trust Company Building. Construction has already begun on the four-story, 120-key hotel, which is the brand’s first retrofit project; most Home2 Suites are expected to be new-builds.
Other hoteliers in San Antonio are less than thrilled with the announcement, however, saying the downtown area is already overbuilt. “We’re not in need of anymore supply (downtown) right now,” Scott Larsen, president of the San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association, tells San Antonio Business Journal.
The property is owned and will be developed and managed by Maryland-based Baywood Hotels. The hotel is projected to open next year, when two additional Home2 Suites are set to break ground in San Antonio.
“We jumped at the chance to introduce Home2 Suites to the Texas market,” says Susana Garcia, regional director of sales for Baywood Hotels. “The South Texas building is a beautiful structure and we plan to maintain the integrity of the building’s exterior while breathing new life into the interior.”
Located in San Antonio’s central business district, this Beaux Arts Style commercial and office building was opened in 1919 and is significant because of its uncommon style and its association with Sanguinet and Staats—one of Texas’ most prestigious, early 20th century architectural firms. The hotel’s proximity to the San Antonio River Walk will provide convenient access for tourists and business travelers alike.
“The San Antonio Conservation Society is pleased to see the historic Central Trust Company Building, more recently known as the South Texas Building, revitalized and adapted to a new use,” says Rollette Schreckenghost, president of the San Antonio Conservation Society. “Completed in 1919, it was the tallest building in our city at that time.”
Amenities will include an indoor saline pool, a Home2 MKT for grab-and-go items, an integrated guest laundry and fitness room, and innovative meeting and social gathering spaces. The property features The Oasis, an industry-leading expanded community space that includes communal and individual work zones, wireless access, a 52-inch flat-screen TV and a complimentary breakfast service area that provides one of the most expansive continental breakfasts in this segment of the hospitality industry. The Oasis encourages a social environment where guests can obtain information on the local area, check email and connect with others.
Guestrooms will provide separate living and bedroom zones, as well as a fully accessorized kitchen containing a refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, convection oven and coffee maker. The living area has a queen-size sofa/sleeper, 42-inch flat-screen TV, roll-around ottoman, ambient and task lighting and “hip and humble” brand artwork. All guestrooms include the proprietary Home2 Suites “working wall” that incorporates the kitchen and flexible working space with a moveable desk, room to spread out and display work or mementos from home, and adaptable storage options.