Latest news with #LivSmartStudios
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hilton opens first LivSmart Studios hotel in Tennessee
This story was originally published on Hotel Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Hotel Dive newsletter. Hilton opened the first property under its LivSmart Studios by Hilton brand in Tullahoma, Tennessee, the hotel company announced Tuesday. Hilton previously said the brand's Kokomo, Indiana, location would open first, but that property is now slated to open later this summer, per the company. LivSmart Studios offers apartment-style accommodations in the lower midscale segment, designed for guests staying 20 nights or more, Hilton previously shared. The brand, launched in 2023, fills 'a critical void' in the extended stay segment, according to Hilton. Hilton plans to open some 90 LivSmart Studios in coming years, according to the announcement, as it expands its presence in the high-demand extended stay hotel segment. Chris Silcock, Hilton's president of global brands and commercial services, said LivSmart Studios 'represents the latest chapter in our growth strategy as we expand our extended-stay presence with a product designed for longer stays.' Hilton designed the brand based on its findings that 'long-stay guests, including traveling nurses and relocating workers, prioritize simplicity, comfort and quality time,' per the announcement. Rooms at the property include a full kitchen with a two-burner stovetop, a full-size refrigerator, a dishwasher, a microwave, cookware and kitchen tools; a spacious bathroom; storage space; and flexible furniture. The hotel's public spaces include a lobby with visibility into laundry and fitness areas, a retail market and an outdoor patio with fire pits and grills. Hilton developed the 89-room LivSmart Studios by Hilton Tullahoma in partnership with Chattanooga, Tennessee-based developer 3H Group and Miami financial services provider Aztec Group. Tullahoma is known for its flight and aviation research industries, which, like Kokomo, Indiana, creates a 'high-need workforce market where long-stay travel is frequent and stable,' per Hilton. Hilton has more than 225 deals for future LivSmart Studios locations in various stages of negotiation, according to the announcement. Despite recent economic uncertainty, hotel players are still bullish on extended stay, according to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' first-annual Hotel Owner Trends Report, released last month. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Skift
09-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
Hilton Debuts Brand, Virgin Atlantic Adds Starlink and TSA Drops Shoe Rule
In today's pod we check out Hilton's extended stay brand, connect with Virgin Atlantic's onboard Wi-Fi, and keep our shoes on through airport security. Skift Daily Briefing Podcast Listen to the day's top travel stories in under four minutes every weekday. Listen to the day's top travel stories in under four minutes every weekday. Skift Travel Podcasts Good morning from Skift. It's Wednesday, July 9. Here's what you need to know about the business of travel today. Hilton has officially launched its newest hotel brand as it looks to expand its presence in the extended-stay market, writes Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O'Neill. The company opened its first LivSmart Studios by Hilton on Tuesday in Tullahoma, Tennessee. The brand is designed for guests staying at least 20 nights, including workers on assignment and relocating families who collectively spend $300 billion annually worldwide on temporary lodging. O'Neill writes Hilton wanted to add an extended-stay brand after it saw the segment prove remarkably durable during the pandemic. The launch of LivSmart Studios also represents Hilton's latest effort to expand its mid-market footprint, a strategy CEO Christopher Nassetta has championed as critical for long-term growth. Listen to This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube | RSS Next, Virgin Atlantic announced on Tuesday that it will install Elon Musk's Starlink throughout its fleet, becoming the latest airline to opt for the satellite technology, writes Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi. Maharishi reports Virgin Atlantic is the first UK airline to partner with Starlink. The carrier said it will start installation on three of its aircraft during the third quarter of 2026 and expects to complete it by the end of 2027. Customers will be able to access live TV and streaming, gaming, and online shopping in addition to free in-flight Wi-Fi. Maharishi adds airlines have increasingly been inking deals with Starlink for its high-speed in-flight connectivity and as part of a push to attract more business and premium customers. Finally, The U.S. Department of Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Tuesday night that the TSA will end its long-standing requirement for most passengers to remove their shoes during airport security screenings, reports Maharishi. Sec. Noem cited improved screening technology and upcoming events like the Olympics and World Cup as a reason for changing the policy. Exceptions will remain for certain travelers who require additional screening, where shoe removal may still be requested. She noted that the TSA PreCheck program still offers advantages beyond the new policy, such as keeping belts, coats, and electronics in place during screening.
Skift
08-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
Hilton Opens First Hotel Under New Brand for Traveling Workers
It says something about the strong demand for extended stay in the U.S. that Hilton has a 350-hotel pipeline for its new brand LivSmart Studios. Clearly owners want to build more. Hilton officially launched its newest hotel brand on Tuesday, opening the first LivSmart Studios by Hilton in Tullahoma, Tennessee, as the hospitality giant expands its presence in the extended-stay market to attract a traveling workforce. The 89-suite property marks the first open hotel under Hilton's 19th brand, which it announced in January 2024. The brand is designed for guests staying 20 nights or more, which is significantly longer than Hilton's other extended-stay brands Home2 Suites and Homewood Suites. "It's an extremely profitable segment and this is designed to be an extremely profitable brand," said Isaac Lake, brand leader. Hilton has over 90 signed contracts for additional LivSmart Studios in the U.S., including over a dozen in Texas. It has over 225 deals being worked out by its development team, Lake s
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A New Era for Long-Stays: Hilton Opens First LivSmart Studios Hotel in Tullahoma, Tennessee
The brand's second hotel is expected to open this summer in Kokomo, Indiana TULLAHOMA, Tenn. & MCLEAN, Va., July 08, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today debuted the first hotel of a game-changing new extended-stay brand, LivSmart Studios by Hilton. LivSmart Studios by Hilton Tullahoma, an 89-room property in Middle Tennessee, brings a fresh new approach to a fast-growing category and will soon be joined by the brand's second hotel in Kokomo, Ind., which is on track to open its doors later this summer. Grounded in extensive research and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of long-stay travelers and hotel owners alike, Hilton identified a clear gap in the market—and responded with this purpose-built, innovative solution. Launched at a time with ever-increasing demand among traveling professionals, workers on extended assignments, relocating families and others in need of longer-term lodging, LivSmart Studios delivers a thoughtful experience that blends the comfort and functionality of studio apartment-style accommodations with the consistency, value and hospitality travelers expect when they stay with Hilton. "Hilton has a long track record of building innovative, category-leading brands that meet the evolving needs of guests and deliver strong value for owners," said Chris Silcock, president, Global Brands and Commercial Services, Hilton. "LivSmart Studios represents the latest chapter in our growth strategy as we expand our extended-stay presence with a product designed for longer stays. The debut of this new brand reinforces our commitment to offering a Hilton experience for every traveler and every stay occasion." The First of Many for LivSmart Studios LivSmart Studios by Hilton Tullahoma is conveniently located at 251 William Northern Boulevard in Tullahoma, a city known for its leadership in flight and aviation research and nearby cultural attractions. The new hotel, developed in partnership with 3H Group, Inc. and Aztec Group, LLC, encapsulates a brand that has been built from the ground up with input from owners every step of the way. "LivSmart Studios was born from a bold vision to meet the growing demand for accessible, high-quality accommodations tailored for longer stays," said Isaac Lake, brand leader, LivSmart Studios by Hilton. "The opening of our first property in Tullahoma marks a significant milestone in bringing that vision to life. As the brand continues to grow, we look forward to expanding into more communities and setting a new standard for long-stay hospitality." "Opening the very first LivSmart Studios by Hilton is a proud and meaningful moment for our team," said Hiren Desai, president and chief executive officer, 3H Group. "We are honored to partner with Hilton to launch this new, innovative brand and introduce it to the Tullahoma community. This hotel is laying the foundation for what will become a nationally recognized option for long-stay travelers, and we're excited to play a key role in the brand's journey ahead." Shortly following the brand's Tullahoma debut, Hilton expects to open its second LivSmart Studios in Kokomo, Ind., another high-need workforce market where long-stay travel is frequent and stable. Owned by Sun Management & Development Corporation, the 137-room property, located at 5138 Cartwright Drive, will serve travelers and professionals working in the automotive manufacturing and energy industries. With more than 90 hotels expected to open in the coming years and over 225 deals in various stages of negotiation, LivSmart Studios is Hilton's answer to the evolving needs of long-stay travelers, bringing bold, new energy to the segment. Appealing to the Long-Stay Traveler LivSmart Studios is designed to serve a vastly underserved segment—those seeking long-stay accommodations for 10 nights or more—while offering owners a cost-effective, scalable model backed by Hilton's world-class commercial engine. Collaborating closely with owners and developers has helped ensure that the midscale, extended-stay hotel brand delivers on operational efficiency and strong investment value. LivSmart Studios fills a critical void in the segment—offering a reliable, high-quality experience for guests and a compelling opportunity for owners. Hilton's research revealed that long-stay guests, including traveling nurses and relocating workers, prioritize simplicity, comfort and quality time. Bridging the gap between comfort and functionality, each suite at LivSmart Studios by Hilton Tullahoma and LivSmart Studios by Hilton Kokomo features amenities long-stay guests value most, including a full kitchen with a two-burner cooktop, full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, high-quality cookware and kitchen tools for guests to prepare meals with ease and comfort during their stay. The layout includes a spacious bathroom, ample storage and flexible furniture that allow guests to eat, work and relax comfortably. Public spaces are thoughtfully designed to support longer-term stays, including a bright lobby with visibility into laundry and fitness areas, a retail market stocked with essentials and an outdoor patio with fire pits and grills. Hilton Honors members staying at LivSmart Studios are eligible to earn and redeem Hilton Honors Points, including earning three Points per dollar spent on their stay and 3,000 Bonus Points for every 10 consecutive nights. Members who book directly enjoy exclusive benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app. Hilton Honors is free to join and travelers can enroll online at As Hilton continues to grow its presence in the extended stay market, LivSmart Studios is strategically positioned to meet a critical need, offering a reliable long-stay experience that feels like home, but functions like Hilton. With a streamlined footprint, simplified staffing model and consistent guest experience, the brand is both cost-effective to build and easy to operate. LivSmart Studios owners also benefit from Hilton's commercial and operational systems, providing access to one of the industry's most powerful growth platforms. To learn more, visit or About LivSmart Studios by Hilton One of the latest additions to the Hilton portfolio, LivSmart Studios by Hilton is a midscale, long-stay hotel brand offering simplicity, consistency and convenience to guests who may be traveling for weeks or months at a time. LivSmart Studios hotels create a space where guests can seamlessly maintain their daily routines while also immersing themselves in the local community. Each property will feature a streamlined public area filled with natural light that includes a simple retail market, a large guest laundry room and a state-of-the-art fitness center. There will also be a spacious outdoor gathering area, which includes a fire pit, grills, and comfortable seating for guests looking to connect. Guest studio suites include a fully equipped kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and two-burner cooktop, along with ample storage options for the long-stay traveler. LivSmart Studio's pioneering vision for transforming the extended-stay segment is credited with Hilton's recognition as one of Fast Company's 2024 Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about LivSmart Studios at View source version on Contacts Audrey BrantzHilton Global Brand Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
A New Era for Long-Stays: Hilton Opens First LivSmart Studios Hotel in Tullahoma, Tennessee
TULLAHOMA, Tenn. & MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today debuted the first hotel of a game-changing new extended-stay brand, LivSmart Studios by Hilton. LivSmart Studios by Hilton Tullahoma, an 89-room property in Middle Tennessee, brings a fresh new approach to a fast-growing category and will soon be joined by the brand's second hotel in Kokomo, Ind., which is on track to open its doors later this summer. Grounded in extensive research and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of long-stay travelers and hotel owners alike, Hilton identified a clear gap in the market—and responded with this purpose-built, innovative solution. Launched at a time with ever-increasing demand among traveling professionals, workers on extended assignments, relocating families and others in need of longer-term lodging, LivSmart Studios delivers a thoughtful experience that blends the comfort and functionality of studio apartment-style accommodations with the consistency, value and hospitality travelers expect when they stay with Hilton. 'Hilton has a long track record of building innovative, category-leading brands that meet the evolving needs of guests and deliver strong value for owners,' said Chris Silcock, president, Global Brands and Commercial Services, Hilton. 'LivSmart Studios represents the latest chapter in our growth strategy as we expand our extended-stay presence with a product designed for longer stays. The debut of this new brand reinforces our commitment to offering a Hilton experience for every traveler and every stay occasion.' The First of Many for LivSmart Studios LivSmart Studios by Hilton Tullahoma is conveniently located at 251 William Northern Boulevard in Tullahoma, a city known for its leadership in flight and aviation research and nearby cultural attractions. The new hotel, developed in partnership with 3H Group, Inc. and Aztec Group, LLC, encapsulates a brand that has been built from the ground up with input from owners every step of the way. 'LivSmart Studios was born from a bold vision to meet the growing demand for accessible, high-quality accommodations tailored for longer stays,' said Isaac Lake, brand leader, LivSmart Studios by Hilton. 'The opening of our first property in Tullahoma marks a significant milestone in bringing that vision to life. As the brand continues to grow, we look forward to expanding into more communities and setting a new standard for long-stay hospitality.' "Opening the very first LivSmart Studios by Hilton is a proud and meaningful moment for our team," said Hiren Desai, president and chief executive officer, 3H Group. "We are honored to partner with Hilton to launch this new, innovative brand and introduce it to the Tullahoma community. This hotel is laying the foundation for what will become a nationally recognized option for long-stay travelers, and we're excited to play a key role in the brand's journey ahead." Shortly following the brand's Tullahoma debut, Hilton expects to open its second LivSmart Studios in Kokomo, Ind., another high-need workforce market where long-stay travel is frequent and stable. Owned by Sun Management & Development Corporation, the 137-room property, located at 5138 Cartwright Drive, will serve travelers and professionals working in the automotive manufacturing and energy industries. With more than 90 hotels expected to open in the coming years and over 225 deals in various stages of negotiation, LivSmart Studios is Hilton's answer to the evolving needs of long-stay travelers, bringing bold, new energy to the segment. Appealing to the Long-Stay Traveler LivSmart Studios is designed to serve a vastly underserved segment—those seeking long-stay accommodations for 10 nights or more—while offering owners a cost-effective, scalable model backed by Hilton's world-class commercial engine. Collaborating closely with owners and developers has helped ensure that the midscale, extended-stay hotel brand delivers on operational efficiency and strong investment value. LivSmart Studios fills a critical void in the segment—offering a reliable, high-quality experience for guests and a compelling opportunity for owners. Hilton's research revealed that long-stay guests, including traveling nurses and relocating workers, prioritize simplicity, comfort and quality time. Bridging the gap between comfort and functionality, each suite at LivSmart Studios by Hilton Tullahoma and LivSmart Studios by Hilton Kokomo features amenities long-stay guests value most, including a full kitchen with a two-burner cooktop, full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, high-quality cookware and kitchen tools for guests to prepare meals with ease and comfort during their stay. The layout includes a spacious bathroom, ample storage and flexible furniture that allow guests to eat, work and relax comfortably. Public spaces are thoughtfully designed to support longer-term stays, including a bright lobby with visibility into laundry and fitness areas, a retail market stocked with essentials and an outdoor patio with fire pits and grills. Hilton Honors members staying at LivSmart Studios are eligible to earn and redeem Hilton Honors Points, including earning three Points per dollar spent on their stay and 3,000 Bonus Points for every 10 consecutive nights. Members who book directly enjoy exclusive benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app. Hilton Honors is free to join and travelers can enroll online at As Hilton continues to grow its presence in the extended stay market, LivSmart Studios is strategically positioned to meet a critical need, offering a reliable long-stay experience that feels like home, but functions like Hilton. With a streamlined footprint, simplified staffing model and consistent guest experience, the brand is both cost-effective to build and easy to operate. LivSmart Studios owners also benefit from Hilton's commercial and operational systems, providing access to one of the industry's most powerful growth platforms. To learn more, visit or About LivSmart Studios by Hilton One of the latest additions to the Hilton portfolio, LivSmart Studios by Hilton is a midscale, long-stay hotel brand offering simplicity, consistency and convenience to guests who may be traveling for weeks or months at a time. LivSmart Studios hotels create a space where guests can seamlessly maintain their daily routines while also immersing themselves in the local community. Each property will feature a streamlined public area filled with natural light that includes a simple retail market, a large guest laundry room and a state-of-the-art fitness center. There will also be a spacious outdoor gathering area, which includes a fire pit, grills, and comfortable seating for guests looking to connect. Guest studio suites include a fully equipped kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and two-burner cooktop, along with ample storage options for the long-stay traveler. LivSmart Studio's pioneering vision for transforming the extended-stay segment is credited with Hilton's recognition as one of Fast Company' s 2024 Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about LivSmart Studios at
