The landscape of modern hospitality continues to undergo a fundamental shift as hotel brands increasingly cater to travelers seeking longer-term accommodations. BWH Hotels, a global hospitality enterprise recognized for its diverse portfolio of lodging options, has officially marked a major milestone in this sector. The company has announced the opening of the second location of its dedicated extended-stay brand, @HOME by Best Western, situated in McDonough, Georgia. Located just south of Atlanta off the heavily traveled Interstate 75 corridor, this new five-story property underscores the hospitality industry’s aggressive pursuit of the lucrative extended-stay market, a segment prized by hotel operators for its remarkable financial resilience and high demand.
The newly constructed McDonough property features 128 thoughtfully designed suites tailored specifically to the needs of guests embarking on extended visits, whether for business relocation, corporate training, project-based assignments, or leisurely multi-week travel. Developed in partnership with Raj Patel and Apsilon Hotels—an established development and management firm that currently oversees 18 properties throughout the broader Atlanta metropolitan area—the hotel represents a significant local investment in commercial real estate and hospitality infrastructure.
Inside each of the 128 suites, guests will find a comprehensive set of residential-style amenities designed to minimize the friction of long-term travel. Every room includes a fully equipped kitchen featuring modern appliances, a dedicated functional workspace for remote professionals and business travelers, and ample living space intended to replicate the comforts of home. Beyond the individual rooms, the property offers a robust array of communal amenities. Guests have full access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, convenient on-site laundry facilities, a 24-hour lobby market for quick provisions, welcoming common areas for socializing or informal meetings, and secure storage closets designed to hold larger personal belongings that do not need to clutter the guest rooms during prolonged stays.
Furthermore, the property’s exterior and operational infrastructure reflect careful consideration of diverse traveler demographics. The hotel provides complimentary parking options, which notably include oversized spaces explicitly engineered to accommodate large trucks and recreational vehicles (RVs). In alignment with modern environmental standards and consumer demands, the facility is equipped with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Additionally, recognizing the growing number of travelers who refuse to leave their household companions behind, the McDonough location operates as a pet-friendly establishment.
Strategic Location Within a Booming Logistics Corridor
The selection of McDonough, Georgia, as the site for this strategic rollout is far from accidental. Situated at 34 Liberty Industrial Parkway, the hotel places guests directly within a booming commercial and industrial hub. The surrounding area encompasses a massive logistics and distribution corridor featuring more than 80 million square feet of industrial and warehouse space, serving as a vital nexus for regional and national supply chains.
This geographic positioning makes the property an ideal landing spot for corporate travelers, logistics professionals, contractors, and corporate trainees. For instance, the facility is located in close proximity to Norfolk Southern’s major corporate training center, ensuring a steady, reliable stream of business-related lodging demand. At the same time, the location does not sacrifice leisure appeal. Guests looking to explore the local area can easily access Historic Downtown McDonough, enjoy recreational activities at Heritage Park, or attend high-octane racing events at the nearby Atlanta Motor Speedway, located just a short drive away.
The Evolution and Expansion of the @HOME by Best Western Brand
The debut of the McDonough property marks a crucial chapter in the ongoing rollout of the @HOME by Best Western brand. McDonough officially becomes only the second location for the brand in the United States, following the initial domestic launch in St. George, Utah. BWH Hotels has also looked internationally to scale the concept, successfully introducing the brand to the Canadian market with a newly established property located in Walkerton, Ontario.
The growth trajectory for @HOME by Best Western is slated to accelerate rapidly over the next several years. Apsilon Hotels, the development partner behind the McDonough project, has already committed to expanding its footprint with the brand, slated to open another @HOME property in Fairburn, Georgia, by 2027. This steady pipeline of openings highlights the strong alignment between BWH Hotels’ corporate strategy and the investment appetite of independent franchise developers.
Industry Perspective and Corporate Leadership Insights
The aggressive push into the extended-stay lodging category is driven by broader macroeconomic trends within the hospitality sector. Brad LeBlanc, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer for BWH Hotels, emphasized the enduring strength of this market segment during the announcement of the McDonough opening.
"Extended-stay remains one of the most resilient and attractive segments in hospitality, and @HOME by Best Western is proving to be a powerful growth vehicle for our developers," LeBlanc stated. He further noted that the brand is successfully capturing the attention of investors across multiple regions due to its structural design. "With a growing global pipeline and strong interest across multiple markets, we’re building a brand that delivers what today’s guests want and what owners need: an efficient operating model, a compelling value proposition, and long-term growth potential."
The Broader Extended-Stay Boom Across Major Hospitality Brands
BWH Hotels is by no means alone in recognizing the immense potential of the extended-stay asset class. Over recent years, major global hospitality conglomerates—including Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and Hilton Worldwide—have aggressively expanded their respective extended-stay portfolios. Brands targeting this segment have historically demonstrated higher occupancy rates and lower operating volatility compared to traditional transient hotels, shielding operators from sudden downturns in short-term leisure travel.
Reflecting this industry-wide momentum, BWH Hotels has set ambitious targets for its extended-stay division. The parent company expects its broader extended-stay development pipeline to reach an impressive 34 properties, totaling 2,791 rooms, by the end of 2026. This aggressive expansion strategy demonstrates BWH Hotels’ commitment to capturing a substantial market share in the longer-term lodging sector as consumer travel habits continue to evolve.
As remote work trends persist, corporate travel budgets adapt to hybrid models, and infrastructure projects require localized project teams, properties like the new @HOME by Best Western in McDonough are uniquely positioned to meet the demands of the modern traveler. By blending residential comforts with strategic commercial placement, BWH Hotels is cementing its role as a competitive force in the modern extended-stay landscape.
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