GAINESVILLE, FLA. (MAY 25, 2017) — Key International – a prominent real estate investment and development company specializing in hospitality – and LBA Hospitality – a full-scale hotel management, development and consulting firm – are pleased to announce the completion of a nearly $2 million renovation to the Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville-Downtown.
The Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville-Downtown, located at 101 Southeast 1st Avenue, was acquired by Key International for $27 million in September 2016 and shortly began renovations in November under the supervision of LBA Hospitality.
Enhancements to the 124-key hotel aimed at improving the overall quality and design of the property to better serve guests. It now boasts accommodations that are multifunctional, modern, convenient and comfortable.
The guestrooms, 27 studio suites, 1,700 square feet of meeting and social event space, lobby, reception and expansive breakfast room have all been upgraded as part of Hampton by Hilton’s Forever Young Initiative, a set of design guidelines geared toward creating a dynamic property that extends its appeal to today’s millennial traveler.
Each room features a combination of sleek interior design elements, like textured wallpaper, warm wood finishes and clean lines, contrasting to evoke a sense of depth and freshness. Adaptable in-room furniture pieces and increased lighting will further improve guest enjoyment. Introducing the latest technology, exclusively available at Hilton hotels, a new Digital Key system was installed. Guests who download the Hilton Honors App can securely check-in, select a room and unlock their door, directly through their smartphone. Additional upgrades to the hotel include TREATS, a convenient food and beverage shop presenting snacks, toiletries and local merchandise for purchase, ensuring guests have what they need 24-hours a day.
“We are pleased to see the culmination of the renovation occur in such a short timeframe since we purchased the hotel last year,” said Shawn Gracey, Executive Vice President of Hospitality with Key International. “As with all properties in our portfolio, our goal was to quickly enrich the quality and design of the Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville-Downtown to create an optimal experience in an unparalleled location. We thank LBA for their hard work and dedication in bringing this transformation to fruition.”
“This renovation has added a highly-stylized design to the property, in addition to greater comfort and convenience for our guests,” added LBA President Beau Benton. “Every element factored into the refurbishment was thoughtful and intentional, meant to amplify the beauty of the space and reinforce the importance of guest satisfaction.”
Complementing the newly-reimagined spaces are on-site amenities, such as a 24-hour business center to keep guests connected, with complimentary printing, Wi-Fi and hot breakfast, as well as a fitness center and splash pool to decompress. Additionally, each guestroom is equipped with the brand’s signature clean and fresh Hampton bed®, mini refrigerator, coffeemaker, 49-inch HDTV, work desk and free high-speed internet access. Guests can also upgrade to a studio suite, offering a living area with a sofa sleeper and wet bar. Each room includes Digital Key access, allowing guests to check-in, select a room, and unlock their door using the Hilton Honors App on their smartphone device.
The Hampton Inn & Suites is set in the heart of Gainesville, Florida’s historic downtown – one of the city’s most vibrant districts for business, dining and entertainment and a five-minute drive from the 2,000-acre campus of University of Florida. Its ideal location is also just a few miles from the city’s cultural offerings, like the Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida Golf Course and the Thomas Center art galleries, drawing visiting students, parents and business professionals year-round.
