MCLEAN, Va.—On Friday, less than four months after Tru by Hilton’s public debut, Hilton Worldwide broke ground on the brand’s second property, located in Oklahoma City. The celebratory event swapped out hard hats and shovels for 3D artwork of the hotel’s exterior design, which allowed attendees to feel as though they were part of the hotel. Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin addressed the crowd and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and local Councilman Larry McAtee also attended Friday’s event.
The 86-room Tru by Hilton Oklahoma City Airport is located just five miles from the Will Rogers World Airport at 802 South Meridian Avenue, and is expected to open in spring of 2017. The new property is expected to add 75 construction jobs and 20 jobs in the long term once the hotel is open.
“Tru is a disruptive brand, built on the belief that a great stay and affordability can, in fact, go hand-in-hand,” said Alexandra Jaritz, global head for Tru by Hilton. “We know the brand will have broad appeal to Oklahoma City travelers who span generations but share a similar youthful mindset. Bringing an original, back-to-basics experience with soul—grounded in value and anchored in the DNA of Hilton—Tru will provide Oklahoma City with a contemporary, consistent and fresh hotel experience, while at the same time being operationally efficient to our owners.”
The value proposition continues to drive developer interest. Hilton Worldwide currently has 70 approvals and 172 more deals committed or in progress, up from 130 hotels in January when the brand launched at The Americas Lodging Investment Summit. Tru by Hilton is believed to be the fastest growing new-build hotel brand in U.S. history.
“We are proud to have partnered with Hilton from the very beginning as part of a group of owners who advised on the creation of the brand and to bring one of the first Tru by Hilton properties to market, right here in Oklahoma City,” said Champ Patel, CEO of Champion Hotels.
When completed, the new Tru by Hilton Oklahoma City will provide guests with smart and efficiently designed guest rooms and reimagined public spaces, including an open lobby with four zones for lounging, working, eating or playing. Designed to appeal cross-generationally, complimentary amenities will include a unique toppings bar 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.
“By breaking through the clutter of the midscale sector’s undistinguished offerings, Tru by Hilton will provide guests with experiences, and not just a place to stay,” said Matt Wehling, senior vice president of development—North America, Hilton Worldwide. “We thank our partners within Champion Hotels who have signed more than a dozen Tru by Hilton deals and are excited to bring to life the opportunity Tru creates in Oklahoma City.”
