Extended-Stay Footprints Grow as Hilton and G6 Expand

Extended-stay hotel development is moving forward through separate midscale and economy brand expansions across the United States. Hilton has opened its first LivSmart Studios property in Utah, marking the brand's sixth location overall, while G6 Hospitality has signed a five-hotel development agreement with Kautilya Group to introduce Studio 6 Plus to the Northeast market. [1] [2]

Where are Hilton and G6 Hospitality expanding their extended-stay brands?

Hilton and G6 Hospitality are expanding in distinct geographic regions with separate operational strategies. Hotel Business reported that the LivSmart Studios by Hilton Salt Lake City West Valley City has opened in West Valley City, Utah. [1] The four-story property sits 15 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport and places guests near Valley Fair Mall, Maverik Center, Utah Olympic Oval, and the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre. [1]

G6 Hospitality is taking its newly launched Studio 6 Plus brand into the Northeast via a multi-unit pipeline deal. According to Asian Hospitality, Kautilya Group agreed to develop five Studio 6 Plus properties, with the initial two hotels planned for the Hartford, Connecticut, market. [2] G6 noted that construction on those two Hartford locations will begin in the first quarter of 2027, with the remaining three property sites to be revealed as development moves ahead. [2]

How do the physical footprints and room counts compare?

Both hotel developments utilise four-story, new-construction prototypes with comparable overall room counts. The LivSmart Studios hotel in Utah features 114 guestrooms. [1] In comparison, Asian Hospitality reported that each of the five planned Studio 6 Plus hotels developed by Kautilya Group will feature 118 guestrooms spread across four floors. [2]

The Studio 6 Plus room layouts will consist of king rooms, double-queen rooms, and suites that incorporate living spaces, storage areas, and full kitchens tailored for longer stays. [2] The LivSmart Studios layout integrates living space designed for extended stays driven by relocations, work assignments, family visits, or regional events. [1]

What amenities define these extended-stay prototypes?

The newly opened LivSmart Studios in Utah introduces several brand-first and extended-stay amenities for travelers. Hotel Business reported that the property includes the first indoor swimming pool across the entire LivSmart Studios by Hilton portfolio. [1] The pet-friendly building also provides a fitness center, complimentary grab-and-go breakfast, free parking, free WiFi, electric vehicle charging stations, a business center, and guest laundry facilities. [1] Outdoors, guests have access to seating, grills, and a fire pit, while the interior public area features a retail market offering daily essentials. [1]

Studio 6 Plus employs an interior-corridor layout built around lean on-property operations. Asian Hospitality reported that the brand utilizes a streamlined arrival flow and lobby design where digital check-in manages routine guest transactions while an ambassador assists arrivals. [2]

What operating models appeal to franchise owners?

Franchise economics and operational efficiency dictate how developers evaluate these emerging extended-stay brands. G6 Hospitality, led by Chairman Ritesh Agarwal (who also serves as CEO of PRISM) and Vice Chairman Ankit Tandon, introduced the Studio 6 Plus brand in April. [2] The parent group, which oversees nearly 1,500 Motel 6 and Studio 6 Extended Stay locations in the United States and Canada, structured the brand around lower overhead and transparent fees. [2]

Gary Patel, chairman and CEO of Kautilya Group, stated that Studio 6 Plus features an efficient design, lean operating model, and a strong focus on durability. [2] Patel highlighted that G6 ties its franchise fee structure directly to business generated through the brand itself, rather than assessing fees on reservations booked through third-party online travel agencies. [2]

At the Utah property, majority owner Roman Frazier and operator Wittwer Hospitality, led by CEO Shayne Wittwer, focused on meeting the practical requirements of long-term guests while establishing asset value in a expanding regional submarket. [1]

How fast is the Studio 6 Plus development pipeline growing?

G6 Hospitality built its Studio 6 Plus pipeline to 25 properties within five months of launching the brand. According to Asian Hospitality, G6 introduced the concept in April and secured an 18-hotel development pact with Natson Hotel Group in May. [2] The subsequent five-property agreement with Kautilya Group pushed the total pipeline to 25 hotels. [2]

Kautilya Group brings more than two decades of regional operating experience to this expansion. Led by Gary Patel alongside Vinita Patel, the firm entered the lodging industry in 2000 with a hotel acquisition in Virginia, expanded into Connecticut in 2005, and now operates, develops, and owns hotels across the Midwest and Northeast regions. [2]