Embassy unveils one-room prototype

New York—For 25 years, Hilton Hotels Corp. has banked on its Embassy Suites brand being perfect for the transient family looking to stay at an upscale hotel. For the most part, it has worked. Now, Embassy Suites executives are hoping the parents from those families become return guests when they travel for business.

Embassy unveiled its first one-room suite for today’s cost-conscious business traveler and hotel developer. The one-room suite design delivers the same amenities without the unnecessary space.

“Business travelers love the amenities—free cooked-to-order breakfast and the evening reception,” said Jim Holthouser, global head of full-service brands for Hilton. “And since the one-room suites will be connected to the two-room suites, ultimately the hotel will be able to offer a three-room suite.”

The one-room suite prototype will be optional for developers. It will be about 375 square feet and the brand won’t allow more than 20 to 25 percent of the property to be one-room suites, Holthouser said.

“The key count goes up while the hotel occupies the same footprint,” he said.

There are about 200 Embassy Suites open currently. Fifteen more are under construction and another 55 are in the development pipeline.

jfreed@questex.com