MCLEAN, Va.—Hilton Worldwide today broke ground on its very first Tru by Hilton property located in McDonough, Ga. The celebration marked the fastest brand announcement to groundbreaking in Hilton history, less than eight weeks after Tru’s public debut. Demonstrating Tru’s commitment to breaking the mold at every occasion, the milestone event tossed traditional hard hats and shovels aside, treating guests to an unveiling of 3D chalk paintings created of the hotel’s exterior and guest room design that allowed attendees to feel as though they were part of the hotel. In addition, attendees had some fun in an interactive photo booth that placed them right inside the lobby of the hotel.
The 98-room, 4-story hotel is located at 251 Avalon Court and is owned by McDonough Hotel Partners, LLC. It is expected to be completed in summer of 2017.
“Tru is a disruptive brand, as evidenced by its statement-making entrance to the midscale category and now the Atlanta market,” said Alexandra Jaritz, global head for Tru by Hilton. “We know the brand will have broad appeal to Atlanta-area travelers who span generations but share a similar youthful mindset. At its core, Tru is value-engineered to provide guests with a contemporary, consistent and fresh experience in an affordable way, while at the same time being operationally efficient to our owners.”
The value proposition continues to drive developer interest. Hilton Worldwide announced today that it has 189 Tru hotel deals in process to date, up from 130 hotels in January when the brand launched at The Americas Lodging Investment Summit.
“Today’s groundbreaking in McDonough demonstrates Hilton’s commitment to this new brand and, importantly, its owners,” said Pete Patel, McDonough Hotel Partners LLC owner. “Tru fills a massive void in the midscale category, and we’re delighted to be the first to bring this exciting new Hilton brand to life. It will add to the offerings in McDonough and provide a new option for travelers who believe that being cost conscious and having a great stay don’t have to be mutually exclusive.”
When completed, the new Tru by Hilton McDonough will provide guests with smart and efficiently designed guest rooms and reimagined public spaces, including an open lobby with four distinct zones for lounging, working, eating or playing. Designed to appeal cross-generationally, complimentary amenities will include breakfast, coffee and tea; mobile check-in and Digital Key available through the Hilton HHonors mobile app; a multifunctional fitness center; and segment-leading Wi-Fi bandwidth.
A “Build Your Own” breakfast will allow guests to customize their meal by choosing from a variety of bases, like hot oatmeal, and adding any of up to 30 sweet and savory items available at a toppings bar. A centrally located Command Center—a re-envisioned front desk—features a 24/7 market offering fun snacks and refreshments, single-serve wine and beer, healthy, light meal options, and sundries for purchase.
“With Tru by Hilton, we are breaking through the clutter of undistinguished offerings in the midscale sector and delivering a hotel that travelers will want to go to rather than just through,” said Matt Wehling, senior vice president of development, North America, Hilton Worldwide. “Our fantastic partners within McDonough Hospitality Partners and Vision Hospitality are the first of many developers that see the opportunity Tru creates and will be breaking ground across the US in the coming months.”
