ATLANTIC CITY, NJ “In the near future, there won t be a hotel room built that doesn t have a kitchen.” Such was the pronouncement of Suburban Lodges of America President Greg Plank during a panel discussion exploring Opportunities In The Extended-Stay Market on March 8, at the 2001 Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Convention here.
Other leading hotel executives on hand to voice their assessments and observations regarding this segment of the lodging arena included Staybridge Suites By Holiday Inn Senior VP Jim Anhut, Villager Franchise Systems President/CEO Ken Rodgers, and Candlewood Hotel Co. President/COO Jim Roos.
One point made that seemed to most capture the audience s attention was the panel s blanket agreement that based on historical perspective during periods of tight economic times (i.e. recession), the extended-stay segment has demonstrated that it successfully holds its occupancy levels and in some instances, can even post an increase. (3/8/01) Michael Billig