New Cambria hotel planned for Waco, Texas

Choice Hotels International signed an agreement to develop the new Cambria Hotel Waco University Riverfront in Waco, Texas. Slated to open in 2020, the four-story, 135-room upscale hotel will be one of several Cambria properties to join the brand's growing portfolio in the state, with hotels already open in Dallas, McAllen, Plano and Southlake, and opening soon in Austin and Houston.

Situated along the Brazos River at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Bridge Street, the new Cambria Hotel Waco University Riverfront is minutes from the heart of Waco, providing guests with easy access to the city's vibrant dining, arts and culture, and shopping scene. The hotel is located near Baylor University, the SpaceX testing facility, and the offices of Providence Health Center and L3 Technologies. Several popular leisure attractions are close by, including the Waco Mammoth National Monument, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the Magnolia Market at the Silos, home to HGTV's "Fixer Upper" hosts Joanna and Chip Gaines' retail store and bakery.

“The Cambria Hotel Waco University Riverfront represents an important component of our continued growth throughout the Southwest and in markets with strong business and leisure demand. Waco, long anchored by academia and agriculture, is benefiting from a resurgence fueled by rising tourism and a growing technology sector, making it ideal for Cambria development,” Mark Shalala, VP, franchise development, upscale brands, Choice Hotels, said in a statement. “The Cambria Hotels brand has experienced tremendous success in the Lone Star State and we look forward to working with KB Hotels to introduce another great hotel with top-notch amenities to travelers in Texas.”

The hotel will include upscale amenities, such as:

  • Spa-style bathrooms with Bluetooth mirrors
  • Contemporary guestrooms, complete with modern fixtures, lighting and plush bedding
  • Nearly 8,000 square feet of multifunction meeting space, including separate banquet, board and wine rooms
  • Fitness center
  • Outdoor patio, pool and courtyard
  • Onsite dining including local craft beer, wine, specialty cocktails and small bites, along with a coffee and juice bar  
  • Locally inspired design

The Cambria Hotel Waco University Riverfront will be developed by KB Hotels, a hotel development company located in central Texas.

"With local businesses helping to attract more than 30,000 visitors per week, demand for lodging in Waco is at an all-time high. We know the Cambria Hotel Waco University Riverfront will be a welcome addition to the community and we are eager to bring the property to life with Choice Hotels. Guests will love the hotel's prime location and upscale amenities like the pool and wine room,” Kenny Bhakta, founder, president and CEO, KB Hotels, said in a statement.