Wyndham aligns with WaterWalk extended-stay brand

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has launched a strategic relationship with the upscale extended-stay WaterWalk brand, adding 11 hotels and more than 1,500 rooms to its system. The concept will be rebranded WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham, the 25th in the Wyndham portfolio.

Wyndham leadership was not able to share pipeline details but, in general, a representative told Hotel Investment Today that they see long-term opportunity for the brand across both primary and secondary markets, with both new construction and conversion being viable options for growth.

The strategic relationship includes WaterWalk retaining ownership of the brand. However, it becomes fully integrated into the Wyndham portfolio, allowing current and future franchisees to take advantage of the Wyndham systems and distribution engines. Wyndham will also be responsible for the brand’s long-term growth, taking point on identifying and selling new franchise opportunities.

The WaterWalk brand was founded in 2014 by the late hospitality visionary Jack DeBoer, who created among other brands Residence Inn and Candlewood Suites. The brand’s LIVE|STAY model includes STAY units that are fully furnished and cater to guests looking for a traditional extended-stay, residential-like experience, while LIVE units are unfurnished and allow guests to create their own long-term space. Today, the brand is guided by DeBoer’s granddaughter, CEO Mimi Oliver.

The current WaterWalk portfolio has locations in markets such as Tucson, Jacksonville and Wichita, with newer locations using the brand’s Gen 2.0 prototype.

WaterWalk marks Wyndham’s third extended-stay brand, joining ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham and Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham. ECHO Suites launched in 2022 and has over 265 economy new construction hotels in its development pipeline, half a dozen of which are nearing completion. Hawthorn in 2023 saw 30% growth in its midscale conversion and new construction development pipeline.

“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—helping ensure we have an offering in every segment, for every owner and for every guest,” said Wyndham Chief Development Office Chip Ohlsson.