The brand formerly known as Project H3, Hilton’s newest extended-stay flag, finally has a permanent name. Just over six months after first announcing the brand, the newly renamed LivSmart Studios by Hilton has more than 350 deals in various stages of negotiation.
Construction on the first hotel in Kokomo, Ind. broke ground less than five months after the brand was first announced. The first hotel, owned by Sun Management & Development Corp., is set to open in the summer of 2024 with 137 apartment-style guestrooms.
“After much anticipation, we’re thrilled to announce that LivSmart Studios by Hilton is official,” Isaac Lake, brand leader, LivSmart Studios by Hilton, said in a statement. “With a resilient $300 billion workforce travel market, the extended-stay segment continues to grow. It has never been as primed as it is now for this long-stay brand, and we’re thrilled with the initial excitement we’ve received from owners.”
“From luxury to premium economy, Hilton has a rich history of strategically building brands for every guest and every travel occasion,” said Chris Silcock, president, global brands and commercial services at Hilton. “At Hilton, we continue to innovate our brands to meet the needs of the ever-evolving traveler, and we are excited to find an opportunity to better serve the long-stay guest with LivSmart Studios.”
LivSmart Studios hotels targets guests staying 20 nights or more with three signature elements:
- Deliberate design: The exterior uses warm wood tones and a modern farmhouse-inspired palette with light industrial touches. Properties will also have outdoor patios with grills, a communal fire pit and comfortable seating.
- Studio apartment-style accommodations: The adaptable layout of the suites will provide functionality. Each room will have storage space, efficient closet design and movable, multipurpose furniture. The dining area will include a fully equipped kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and two-burner stovetop.
- Nontraditional lobby experience: The brand’s lobby allows sight lines from the front desk to the fitness and laundry areas and includes a retail market.
In October, Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer of Hilton, said the cost per key, exclusive of land, likely would be between $116,000 and $120,000, while average daily rate would likely be between $95 and $105, although longer stays could bring that price down.