Wyndham adds extended-stay brand WaterWalk to portfolio

03.04.2024 - 19:37 / travelweekly.com

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has partnered to bring extended-stay brand WaterWalk's 11 properties into its portfolio.

Under the deal, WaterWalk becomes Wyndham's 25th brand and its third extended-stay brand, as well as its first upscale extended-stay brand.

The deal isn't an acquisition, and WaterWalk retains ownership of the brand. Still, WaterWalk will be "fully integrated" into the Wyndham portfolio, "same as any other Wyndham brand," according to a Wyndham spokesperson.

WaterWalk will participate in Wyndham's loyalty program and access Wyndham's property and revenue management systems.

Financial terms of the partnership weren't disclosed, nor would Wyndham clarify whether the arrangement was for a fixed period.

"In the last year, guest demand for the extended-stay segment reached record highs, which has been underscored by demand from owners and developers looking for new opportunities to partner with Wyndham," Wyndham chief development officer Chip Ohlsson said in a statement. "Our vision is to offer the industry's most robust portfolio of extended-stay brands, and the addition of WaterWalk marks an important step in that direction."

Founded in 2014 by the late hospitality and extended-stay veteran Jack DeBoer, WaterWalk has 11 properties totaling more than 1,500 rooms. The brand's calling card is each property's split between traditionally furnished extended-stay guest rooms and unfurnished rooms, designed to allow long-term guests to decorate to their taste.

DeBoer, who launched such brands as Residence Inn and Candlewood Suites, died in 2021. His granddaughter, Mimi Oliver, is CEO of WaterWalk.

Wyndham wouldn't disclose whether any additional WaterWalk properties are in the development pipeline, but the spokesperson said, "We see long-term opportunity for the brand across both primary and secondary markets, with both new construction and conversion being viable options for growth."

Wyndham said it is responsible for the brand's long-term growth, "identifying and selling new franchise opportunities."

WaterWalk's website lists 12 open hotels in Atlanta; Boise, Idaho; Charlotte, N.C.; Huntsville, Ala.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Kansas City, Kan.; Minneapolis; Phoenix; Raleigh, N.C.; San Antonio, Texas; Tucson, Ariz.; and Wichita, Kan.; the reason for the discrepancy with the 11 Wyndham said was joining its portfolio wasn't immediately clear.

WaterWalk joins a Wyndham extended-stay portfolio that includes 72-hotel midscale brand Hawthorn Suites and Echo, the economy brand Wyndham announced in 2022. Wyndham says about 265 Echo hotels are in the development pipeline with six nearing completion. Wyndham CEO Geoff