Springwood Hospitality sees growth with Hilton, including dual-brand hotel

Springwood CEO David Hogg said not only is his company developing new Hilton hotels in Pennsylvania and Maryland, it also is preparing to build a new dual-branded hotel in the commonwealth.

Hogg told the Business Journal last week that he expects to break ground in July on a hotel property that will combine the Tru by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton. 

Hilton believes the two brands complement each other, with Tru catering to shorter-term guests, while Home2’s all-suite accommodations appeal to those seeking a longer stay. Hilton has combined the two brands in other states, but the mix will be new to this region. 

Springwood’s double-branded hotel, Hogg said, is slated for a tract off Route 33 in Lower Nazareth Township in Northampton County. The property would have 149 rooms with a shared front desk, kitchen and pantry area.

The plan, Hogg said, is to have the hotel open by July 2019.

A recent trend, both locally and nationally, has been construction of hotels that fall into the higher end of the mid-tier market or upscale segment. Many of the new hotels are all-suite hotels, like Home2, that cater to corporate travelers staying for multiple days, and hotels with limited food-service operations and little meeting space.

Tru is more of an entry-level hotel for Hilton, costing about $100 per night and designed to attract the younger millennial traveler, but with a price point and amenities with cross-generational appeal.

Springwood opened two Tru hotels last year — one in East Lampeter Township, Lancaster County, and another in Manchester Township, York County.

In addition to the new concept, Springwood this summer will open a new Home2 at the Shoppes at Belmont in Manheim Township, Lancaster County. It also is wrapping up construction on a Home2 in Frederick, Md.

A Home2 is on tap for a Progress Avenue between Valley Road and Brindle Drive, just in front of the Shoppes at Susquehanna Marketplace. Springwood has partnered with Union Deposit Corp., the owner of the tract, to build the hotel. Hogg said he is just waiting for the OK from Union Deposit to start on construction.

Springwood also has another Tru project in the works for Derry Township, according to other media reports.