What's Happening?
BWH Hotels has announced the opening of @HOME by Best Western McDonough, a new five-story, 128-suite extended-stay hotel in McDonough, Georgia. This property marks the second @HOME by Best Western location to open in the United States, following its debut
in St. George, Utah, and another opening in Walkerton, Ontario, Canada. Developed by Raj Patel and Apsilon Hotels, the hotel is strategically located off Interstate 75 (Exit 216), providing access to regional commerce centers, including over 80 million square feet of industrial and distribution facilities and Norfolk Southern’s corporate training facility. The hotel is also minutes away from Historic Downtown McDonough, Heritage Park, and Atlanta Motor Speedway. Each suite is equipped with kitchens and workspaces, catering to the needs of extended-stay guests. Amenities include community areas, a lobby market, a fitness center, guest laundry facilities, on-property storage closets, complimentary self-parking with wide-berth spaces for large trucks and RVs, EV charging, and pet-friendly accommodations. Apsilon Hotels, which developed this property, also has another Atlanta-area @HOME by Best Western slated to open in Fairburn, Georgia, in 2027.
Why It's Important?
The opening of @HOME by Best Western McDonough signifies BWH Hotels' continued expansion in the extended-stay segment, which is highlighted as one of the most resilient and attractive sectors in the hospitality industry. This development is particularly important for the McDonough area, as it caters to the robust economic growth along the I-75 corridor and addresses the strong demand from business, logistics, and long-term travelers. The hotel's location near major industrial and distribution facilities, as well as Norfolk Southern’s corporate training facility, positions it to serve a significant corporate clientele. For BWH Hotels, the @HOME brand is proving to be a powerful growth vehicle, offering an efficient operating model and a compelling value proposition for owners. The company's global pipeline for its extended-stay portfolio is projected to reach 34 hotels and 2,791 rooms by the end of 2026, indicating a strategic focus on this market segment. This expansion provides more options for travelers seeking longer-term accommodations with home-like conveniences, while also contributing to local economic development through job creation and increased business activity.
What's Next?
Following the opening of the McDonough property, BWH Hotels plans further expansion of the @HOME by Best Western brand. A second Atlanta-area property in Fairburn, Georgia, also developed by Apsilon Hotels, is scheduled to open in 2027. This indicates a continued focus on the Georgia market, likely due to its economic growth and strategic location for business and logistics. The company's global pipeline for its extended-stay portfolio is projected to reach 34 hotels and 2,791 rooms by the end of 2026, suggesting a steady rollout of new properties across various markets. This growth trajectory will likely involve identifying new locations with strong demand for extended-stay accommodations, particularly in areas experiencing economic development and increased business travel. BWH Hotels will continue to leverage the @HOME brand's operating model and value proposition to attract developers and meet the evolving needs of long-term guests. The success of these new openings will inform future investment and expansion strategies within the extended-stay segment.
Beyond the Headlines
The strategic placement of the @HOME by Best Western McDonough hotel highlights a broader trend in the hospitality industry: the increasing importance of extended-stay options in areas driven by logistics and corporate demand. The focus on locations along major transportation corridors like I-75, and proximity to industrial and distribution centers, reflects a shift in how hotels are catering to a growing segment of business travelers and temporary workers. This trend suggests a deeper integration of hospitality services with industrial and commercial infrastructure, moving beyond traditional tourist or downtown business districts. The design of these hotels, with kitchens and workspaces in every suite, underscores a recognition of the need for self-sufficiency and comfort for guests on longer assignments. Furthermore, the inclusion of amenities like EV charging and pet-friendly accommodations indicates an adaptation to modern consumer preferences and environmental considerations, reflecting a more holistic approach to guest experience in the extended-stay market. This evolution could lead to new urban planning considerations and partnerships between hospitality providers and industrial developers.
