Created for the long-stay guest who never stopped traveling, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has unveiled its latest brand innovation, LivSmart Studios by Hilton. This new studio apartment-style, extended-stay hotel brand is tailored for the long-stay guest who values consistency and reliability in their travel experience.
LivSmart Studios by Hilton emerges as a significant development in the hospitality industry, particularly in the extended-stay segment. The brand’s introduction is timely, considering the resilient $300 billion workforce travel market and the growing preference for longer stays among travelers. This trend has been especially pronounced during and post-pandemic, as travel habits continue to evolve.
The brand’s rapid growth trajectory is evident, with over 350 deals already in various stages of negotiation within just six months of its announcement. Notably, the first hotel under the LivSmart Studios brand in Kokomo, Indiana, broke ground less than five months after the brand’s introduction, signaling a strong market reception and confidence from owners and developers.
LivSmart Studios by Hilton is positioned within the lower midscale segment, offering a unique blend of comfort and practicality. The brand is designed to cater to the needs of guests seeking longer stays, providing them with a ‘home away from home’ experience. This approach aligns with Hilton’s commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to changing traveler needs.
Chris Silcock, President of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton, emphasizes the company’s dedication to evolving its brand portfolio. “At Hilton, we continue to innovate our brands to meet the needs of the ever-evolving traveler, and we are excited to find an opportunity to better serve the long-stay guest with LivSmart Studios,” he states. This sentiment is echoed by Isaac Lake, brand leader for LivSmart Studios by Hilton, who expresses enthusiasm about the brand’s official launch and its potential to tap into the extended-stay market.
The extended-stay segment’s growth is driven by various factors, including the increasing number of digital nomads, corporate travelers seeking comfortable long-term accommodations, and families desiring spacious and amenity-rich lodging options. LivSmart Studios by Hilton is poised to meet these diverse needs with its thoughtfully designed spaces that combine the convenience of a studio apartment with the signature hospitality of Hilton.
Each LivSmart Studio is crafted to offer a seamless living experience, featuring well-equipped kitchenettes, comfortable workspaces, and flexible sleeping arrangements. The brand’s focus on creating a consistent and reliable foundation for long stays is evident in every aspect of its design and service offerings.
Moreover, LivSmart Studios by Hilton benefits from Hilton’s global reputation and its network of 22 world-class brands. Guests staying at LivSmart Studios will have access to Hilton’s renowned customer service, loyalty programs, and a global reservation system, enhancing their overall experience.
The introduction of LivSmart Studios by Hilton is more than just the launch of a new hotel brand. It represents a strategic move by Hilton to capture a significant share of the growing extended-stay market. With its innovative approach and commitment to quality, LivSmart Studios is set to become a preferred choice for travelers seeking long-term accommodation options.
As the travel industry continues to adapt to the changing preferences of travelers, brands like LivSmart Studios by Hilton are leading the way in offering solutions that cater to these new demands. The brand’s rapid expansion and positive reception are indicative of a bright future, not just for LivSmart Studios but for the extended-stay segment as a whole.
LivSmart Studios hotels address a clear void in the market by targeting an underserved segment of guests staying 20 nights or more. This intentional approach positions LivSmart Studios as a disruptive force in the extended stay market by meeting the distinct needs of longer-term guests with essential amenities for an exceptional stay experience. Long-stay travelers can expect three signature elements, including:
- Deliberate Design: Long-stay guests will be welcomed by the hotel’s inviting exterior of warm wood tones and a modern farmhouse-inspired palette with light industrial touches. Properties will also feature outdoor patios outfitted with grills, a communal fire pit and comfortable seating to make it truly feel like home.
- Spacious Studio Apartment-Style Accommodations: The adaptable layout of the thoughtfully crafted suites will provide comfort and functionality. Each room will feature spacious bathrooms, ample storage space, efficient closet design, and movable, multi-purpose furniture that allows guests to utilize the space as a place to work and rest. The kitchen area is also especially important to long-stay travelers and will include a fully equipped kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, two-burner stovetop and more.
- Nontraditional Lobby Experience: The brand’s hyper-functional lobby allows sight lines from the front desk to the fitness and laundry areas, as well as a simple retail market, creating a safe and welcoming environment for long-stay guests looking to grab a great cup of coffee, fit in a workout or start their laundry.
LivSmart Studios by Hilton will participate in Hilton Honors, Hilton’s award-winning guest loyalty program for the company’s portfolio of nearly 7,400 properties worldwide. Members who book directly with Hilton have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app.
