WaterWalk opens 'hybrid home' extended-stay hotel

WaterWalk introduced its first-ever next-generation extended-stay property, WaterWalk Phoenix North Happy Valley, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration. WaterWalk leadership team members were joined by hotel employees and local representatives from the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and nonprofit Habitat for Humanity.

Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Jim Korroch, president of WaterWalk, shared details on the brand’s growth and expansion plans, announcing the additional opening of its Gen 2.0 properties in Boise, Idaho; Tucson, Ariz.; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Huntsville, Ala., as well as the conversion of a property in Atlanta next month.
 
"As the corporate and leisure travel industries continue to evolve, we're proud to innovate new ways to meet the needs and desires of every type of traveler,” Korroch said.

The 126-room property introduces the reimagined WaterWalk hybrid home approach. The property includes a fitness center with weight racks, cardio machines and two Peloton bikes; a patio with lounging furniture and fireplaces; a gated pool; and a communal cookout area with grills.

The brand’s pipeline, which will result in a portfolio that doubles in size over the next 24 months, consists of several Gen 2.0 properties being constructed and additional properties under development. This includes properties currently under development in Sandy Springs/Atlanta Perimeter, Ga. (slated to open in spring 2023); Meridian, Idaho (slated to open in spring 2023); Tucson, Ariz. (slated to open in spring 2023); Jacksonville, Fla. (slated to open in summer 2023); and Huntsville, Ala. (slated to open in winter 2023).

"We are thrilled to take part in furthering tourism and providing innovative flexible lodging solutions here in Phoenix,” WaterWalk CEO Mimi Oliver said. “Jack [DeBoer] was an instrumental part of this project. My grandfather was one of the main people involved in selecting this location and was with us throughout the build of the Gen 2.0 concept. I know he's here with us today in spirit.”