IHG Hotels & Resorts broke ground on a new dual-branded EVEN Hotels and Staybridge Suites property in Orlando in collaboration with owner Daiwa House Group. Scheduled to open in 2026, EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd. will be near the forthcoming Universal Epic Universe theme park and Orange County Convention Center.
With a combined 288 guestrooms, the hotel will align the familiar hallmarks of each brand, such as the upscale residential-style studios and suites of Staybridge Suites and signature sleep experience and wellness-supporting amenities of EVEN Hotels.
“Much like Orlando itself, EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd. will offer something for everyone," Jolyon Bulley, CEO Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said in a statement. "Theme park fans and business leaders alike can recharge within comfortable and modern accommodations and enjoy all that Orlando has to offer. Daiwa House Group already has established a proven reputation for introducing must-visit hotels throughout Japan, and we look forward to working together to expand our presence in the growing, highly attractive Orlando market.”
The groundbreaking of EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd. is the latest step in an agreement between IHG and Daiwa House Group to expand the Japanese real estate investor and developer’s U.S. portfolio. Daiwa House Group opened Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora—the brand’s first hotel in Japan—in January 2020, and recently signed a letter of intent to develop three additional projects in its home nation.
IHG and Daiwa House Group will bring the development to life in collaboration with AC Hotel Developers and architect Baskervill.
“As one of the most visited tourist destinations in the U.S. and a market rich in development and investment, we cannot think of a better location than Orlando to extend our working relationship with IHG and introduce an exciting new dual-branded property," said Keisuke Shimonishi, director and senior managing executive officer at Daiwa House Group. "We are fully confident that EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd will become a must-visit destination for those coming to the city for work, play or relaxation.”