MEMPHIS,
Tenn. (April 1, 2008) – Home2 Suites by Hilton™, a new mid-tier, extended-stay
hotel concept targeting the savvy, value-wise, extended-stay guest, launched
new Web site features including a sustainability page and e-tour of the
future space. These expanded Web site features will help consumers
and developers understand the brand identity of Home2 Suites and its unique,
“Hip and Humble” approach to hospitality at http://www.home2suites.com.
“The new Web site features will increase the momentum for our already
successful launch of Home2 Suites,” said Bill Duncan, Global Head, Brand
Management. “Since launching the brand with 10 franchise applications,
we have received an additional 20, with the first hotel to open in Q3 2010.”
Although discussed at the initial launch of the brand in late January
2009, the sustainability features were not outlined in such detail until
now. Home2 Suites has taken careful consideration into balancing
the environmental impact with an uncompromised guest experience.
Here are some of the elements we’ve incorporated into our initial design,
with more to come:
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Each of our hotels will incorporate WaterSense plumbing fixtures by Kohler,
the 2008 WaterSense Manufacturing Partner of the Year. WaterSense is a
partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) to promote water-efficient products and practices across the country.
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Our dual-flush Kohler toilets are a first in the U.S. hotel market. These
WaterSense labeled toilets use at least 20 percent less water and perform
as well as or better than their less efficient counterparts. One button
for lighter flushes and another for heavier flushes.
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Home2 properties will offer tamper-resistant bulk shower amenities, including
shampoo/conditioner and body wash. Another first in the U.S. hotel market,
these bulk dispensers will dramatically cut down on the amount of plastic
being used (versus traditional amenity bottles) and provide a high-quality
product for the guest.
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The building materials used in Home2 construction include a carpet made
up of 70% recycled materials (including other carpet, plastic, and even
tires), and a wall vinyl comprised of 100% post-consumer recyclable materials.
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Home2 Suites will utilize eco-friendly construction materials and will
be GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified for low VOC emissions and enhanced
indoor air quality.
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Home2 Suites will also utilize ENERGY STAR appliances in each of its hotels.
ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that
use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models.
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Other less-noticeable, yet highly impactful ways we’re committed to sustainability
include the use of compact fluorescents instead of incandescent light bulbs;
the option of paperless check-in/out; the option of fewer linen changes,
depending on length of stay; and the use of real china and glassware as
opposed to paper or plastic both in-room and during Continental breakfast
in the Oasis.
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In 2008, Hilton Hotels Corporation announced brand-wide short- and long-term
goals relating to the company’s approach to sustainability. Home2 has inherent
sustainable features in construction materials, as well as in the Oasis
and guest room layout, as outlined above. These features are in line with
the goals outlined by Hilton to meet by the year 2014, which include:
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Reduce energy consumption from direct operations by 20%
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Reduce CO2 emissions by 20%
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Reduce output of waste by 20%
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Reduce water consumption by 10%
While sustainable elements provide web visitors with useful information
on the brand’s commitment to lessen the environmental impact of extended-stay
travelers, the e-tour helps guests to visualize the brand’s identity.
The newly-featured, four-minute video brings the community and guest room
spaces to life through expertly designed renderings and photography from
a Home2 model suite.
The
e-tour provides viewers with an overview of the contemporary design and
inviting atmosphere. Some of the highlights Home2 Suites includes
are the ability to travel and maintain a healthy lifestyle with spaces
such as the combined laundry and fitness areas and the outdoor fitness
track; the social aspects of the community spaces that encourage interaction
in both the indoors through The Oasis and outdoors through the exterior
“living room;” and the overall comfortable, yet productive guest rooms
that feature the iconic working wall - a series of modular, brand-designed
millwork pieces that serve as workspace, closet and storage. To access
the e-tour, visit http://www.tourhome2suites.com to view directly or visit
http://www.home2suites.com to access the tour through the Home2 Suites
Web site.
Home2 Suites forecasts 100 properties open by year-end 2012, with 60
to 70 per year thereafter. Immediate focus will be on U.S. development,
with expansion into Canada, Mexico and abroad in subsequent years.
Submitted franchise applications include sites in New York City, N.Y.,
Baltimore/White Marsh, Md., Charlotte, N.C., Jacksonville, N.C., Gadsden,
Ala., Elko, Nev., and three hotels in San Antonio, Texas.
To learn more about Home2 Suites by Hilton, including site plans, room
layouts and brand facts, visit http://www.Home2Suites.com. For information
about franchising opportunities, visit http://www.Home2Franchise.com.
Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality company,
with more than 3,200 hotels and 545,000 rooms in 77 countries and territories,
with more than 135,000 team members worldwide. The company owns,
manages or franchises some of the best known and highly regarded hotel
brands including Hilton®, Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Denizen™
Hotels, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®,
Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations™,
Homewood Suites by Hilton®, Home2 Suites by Hilton™ and The Waldorf=Astoria
Collection™. |