Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is making strides in the extended-stay segment with its latest move. Teaming up with WaterWalk, an industry pioneer known for its innovative approach to extended stays, Wyndham is set to expand its upscale offerings. The collaboration includes the rebranding of 11 hotels and more than 1,500 rooms under the newly established WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham brand, which becomes the 25th addition to Wyndham’s portfolio.
This partnership comes at a time when the demand for extended-stay accommodations has soared, reflecting a trend among guests seeking longer-term stays. With WaterWalk’s unique “LIVE | STAY” model, guests are provided with two types of accommodations. STAY units offer fully furnished accommodations, while LIVE units remain unfurnished, allowing guests to customize their space. WaterWalk’s success traces back to its founder, Jack DeBoer, a trailblazer in the extended-stay segment who conceptualized such brands as Residence Inn and Candlewood Suites. Today, his granddaughter Mimi Oliver runs the company as CEO.
By integrating WaterWalk into its portfolio, Wyndham aims to bolster its position in the extended-stay market. WaterWalk joins Wyndham’s existing extended-stay brands, ECHO Suites Extended Stay and Hawthorn Extended Stay. This collaboration also enables WaterWalk properties to tap into the Wyndham Advantage, providing access to a plethora of resources, including marketing, distribution, and technology solutions. Overall, the development is poised to enhance guest experiences, drive operational efficiencies, and fuel growth opportunities for owners and developers in the extended stay sector.
