US: Franchisor Choice Hotels has introduced a proprietary ‘Lobby in a Box’ concept, delivered in a ready-to-assemble crate for its Suburban Studios and MainStay Suites brands.
The modular design package will allow hoteliers to transform public areas and meet the needs of long-stay guests. For example, the concept includes a marketplace that features on-the-go F&B options, travel items and more.
It is available for Suburban Studios and MainStay Suites conversions.
The idea for Lobby in a Box builds on a similar initiative called Kitchen in a Box, which helps hotel owners to install fully equipped kitchens into guest rooms. Since its launch in 2022, the concept has been utilised in more than 30 hotels with six more in the pipeline.
“At Choice Hotels, we are proud to be pioneers and innovators in the extended stay segment,” said Matt McElhare, vice president and lead for extended stay brands for Choice Hotels. “As the demand for extended stay accommodations continues to exceed supply, solutions like Lobby in a Box and Kitchen in a Box are helping franchisees seize opportunities in a growing market while providing long-staying guests a superior, tailor-made experience.
“Our goal is to simplify the conversion process and help maximise hotel owners’ return on investment by giving them the tools to create spaces that can be both functional and profitable,” he added.
Ron Burgett, senior vice president, extended stay development at Choice Hotels, said: “Choice is known for its best-in-class conversion capabilities, and we’re taking it to the next level with Kitchen and Lobby in a Box. Paired with unparalleled support from our dedicated team of over 70 extended stay experts, we are converting transient hotels into extended stay properties quickly.”
