BWH Hotels Launches Georgia Extended-Stay, Highgate Names CMO

BWH Hotels Expands Extended-Stay Portfolio

BWH Hotels has inaugurated its @HOME by Best Western McDonough property in McDonough, Georgia, establishing the brand’s initial presence in both the state and the broader Southeast region of the United States. The new 128-suite extended-stay hotel is designed to offer apartment-like lodging in a rapidly expanding logistics and industrial corridor south of Atlanta.

Each suite provides dedicated kitchens and workspaces, complemented by communal areas, a lobby market, a fitness centre, laundry facilities, and on-site storage closets. Developed by Raj Patel and Apsilon Hotels, the property is also pet-friendly, catering to a diverse range of long-term guests.

@HOME Brand Sees Rapid US Growth

The McDonough opening represents the second @HOME by Best Western location in the US, following the brand’s debut in St. George, Utah, in April 2026. This expansion highlights the brand’s momentum, with BWH Hotels planning a second @HOME property in Georgia set to open in 2027.

Brad LeBlanc, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer for BWH, affirmed the segment's strength, stating that extended-stay remains one of the most resilient and appealing segments in hospitality, and the @HOME by Best Western brand is proving to be a robust growth vehicle for developers.

Highgate Appoints New Chief Marketing Officer

In other industry news, hospitality management firm Highgate has announced the appointment of Erica Doyne as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Highgate reported that Doyne brings nearly two decades of leadership experience from across the hospitality and travel sectors to her new role.

She previously served as CMO for Cardinal Financial, where she was responsible for establishing the company’s marketing organisation and overseeing its brand strategy. Before joining Cardinal Financial, Doyne held executive marketing positions at AMResorts and Hyatt Hotels, further strengthening her extensive background in the industry.

Florida Luxury Residences Reach Construction Milestone

London Bay Development Group has completed the structural framework, known as topping out, for the North Tower of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay, located in southwest Florida. This luxury residential project comprises 224 units spread across two towers and serves as the residential core of Saltleaf, the developer’s expansive 500-acre coastal community.

The North Tower is scheduled for completion by 2027. Global architecture firm Arquitectonica is overseeing the design, which draws inspiration from the tranquil coastal environment.

Residences feature two, three, or four bedrooms, each with a den, private elevator lobby, and large terraces, complemented by amenities including three pools, a 1-acre lagoon, wellness centre, spa, and multiple social spaces.

Implications for Asian Hospitality Markets

The sustained growth of extended-stay properties in the US, as demonstrated by BWH Hotels’ expansion, mirrors similar trends observed in key Asian business hubs. Markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and major Indian cities like Bengaluru have seen rising demand for flexible, apartment-style lodging, driven by corporate travellers, expatriates, and project-based assignments.

Similarly, the development of branded luxury residences in Florida reflects a robust segment in affluent Asian metropolitan centres like Bangkok and Shanghai, where high-net-worth individuals increasingly seek properties offering hotel-level services and global brand prestige, with several new projects announced for 2027 in these markets.