TORONTO — In the U.S., 15 per cent of the total hotel industry is made up of extended-stay properties, but they only make up five per cent of the hotel market in Canada. To address this gap, IHG Hotels & Resorts is actively expanding its extended-stay offering with Atwell Suites, Candlewood Suites and Staybridge Suites. There are currently more than 15 extended-stay properties in the pipeline in Canada.
Additionally, IHG plans to increase dual-branded locations in Canada, offering hotel guests more variety in their hotel-stay experience with both an extended stay and a traditional hotel component at select locations.
This fall, IHG Canada will open the Staybridge Suites Port Elgin on October 31 and Candlewood Suites Collingwood on November 21 in Ontario, both adjacent to high-performing Holiday Inn Express properties.
“In recent years, extended-stay hotels have fast become a popular option for those looking for a cost-effective and convenient stay, providing the comforts of home while away, as well as access to many of the same amenities and services you would expect from a traditional hotel,” says Scott T. Duff, VP, Development – Canada, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “To meet this growing demand, we’re prioritizing the growth of the IHG Hotel & Resorts Suites portfolio, forecasting a 45-per-cent increase in its current system size globally, with Candlewood Suites and Staybridge Suitesaccounting for 12 new property openings and 34 new signings globally in the first half 2023. Not only are extended-stay hotels gaining more traction among travellers, but they’re also becoming more attractive to developers due to lower staffing requirements and high operational margins. Guests stay for longer and enjoy amenities such as laundry, full kitchens, hot breakfast, even BBQ facilities and onsite gyms. These properties present an exciting opportunity for developers, who can re-imagine the hotel business model, and diversify the offerings hotels currently provide to be more in line with the needs of Canadians.”
