Best Western Hotels & Resorts started development on its second Vīb hotel with a new property in Springfield, Mo. Ron Pohl, SVP, brand management for Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and Terry Porter, chairman, board of directors, gathered with Springfield mayor, Robert Stephens and Elliott Lodging’s Gordon Elliott a ceremony commemorating the event on Thursday, Sept. 1.
“We couldn’t be happier to be in Springfield to celebrate one of our newest brands, Vīb,” Pohl said. “We’ve aligned ourselves with the perfect partners to develop our second Vīb property and look forward to seeing the project come to fruition. This new high-energy hotel will provide a contemporary offering for today’s traveler - seeking technology integration, social engagement and consistent service.”
Vīb is Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ new urban boutique brand concept. The Vīb prototype is designed to be cost-effective to build and operate, and includes a flexible floor plan for new-build opportunities or design repurposing. Upon completion in 2017, the hotel's amenities will include free Wi-Fi, grab-and-go stations offering food and coffee, a bar, a fireplace, a 700 square foot "Zen zone," gaming pods, a fitness center and more.
“We’re always selective in our new-builds and this is the type of development we’ve been looking to bring to Springfield,” Elliott said. “The hotel should serve as a stimulant for the area – helping with additional development and bringing the business traveler and millennial to our city.”
In addition to the Springfield Vīb, Best Western Hotels & Resorts has Vīb projects under development in Miami; Los Angeles; Staten Island, N.Y.; Seoul, South Korea; and Vientiane, Laos. The company is actively negotiating deals in U.S. cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, New Orleans, Scottsdale and San Diego.