Models of Hilton Project 3 and Marriott MidX extended stay hotels

Travel Tuesday: Even More Extended Stay Hotel Brands Are Coming

A couple of months ago, I wrote about Hyatt’s plans to launch a new imprint called Hyatt Studios. This brand — which the company bills as its first “upper-midscale” concept — is meant to appeal to extended-stay travelers and, in turn, will include such features as a full-sized fridge, multi-function convection microwaves, stovetop burners, and more. Well, apparently Hyatt wasn’t the only hotel chain thinking in this direction as, in recent weeks, both Marriott and Hilton have also revealed plans to launch new brands in a similar vein.

kitchen area in a Project H3 by Hilton room

First up, Hilton announced “Project H3 by Hilton.” Worry not, though, as that’s just a working title for the concept. In contrast to Hyatt’s upper-midscale plans, Project 3 is looking to hit the lower-midscale market. As for what Hilton envisions for this proposed brand, they note that these properties would feature “essential amenities in a warm, comfortable, yet delightfully modern way.”

Looking at what those essential amenities would be, the apartment-style rooms include a full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and a two-burner stovetop along with dining supplies (plates, mugs, bowls, flatware, etc.). These would also boast ample storage space and movable, multi-purpose furniture. Outside, plans call for patios with grills and communal fire pits.

Having recently stayed at a Home2 Suites by Hilton, I can already see a lot of overlap between the two brands. That said, to me, this Project H3 concept seems almost like a cross between Home2 and another Hilton imprint I’ve tried: Tru. Then again, I can’t pretend to understand the differences between all of these hotel brands or how they rank on a measure of economy to upper-upscale.

illustration of a Marriott Project MIdX Studio room

Anyway, moving on to Marriott, they’ve also come up with a concept but not a name. So, in the meantime, they’re calling their idea Project MidX Studios. As for where this will fall in terms of market, the company labels it as “affordable midscale.” To my ears, that puts it above Project H3 by Hilton but below Hyatt Studios. Marriott’s press release didn’t offer as many specifics as their fellow hotel chains, but the attached art for the room seems to indicate similar amenities, such as a full-sized fridge, stovetop, and more.

I will say that the concept art that came with Marriott’s announcement caught my eye thanks to the unique set-up. While other kitchenette-equipped rooms I’ve stayed in basically just put all the devices near the entrance to the room, the project MIDX rooms have their own dedicated corner of the room. To me, this actually feels closer to an apartment (or at least a timeshare) than the other two extended stay concepts we’ve looked at.

As someone who appreciates extended stay amenities even if I’m only staying at a place for a couple of nights, I’m pretty pumped about the potential of there being a greater number of these types of properties. Of course, while Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott are pitching these concepts, it remains to be seen whether they’ll really come to fruition or, if they do, how many locations will end up in the brand portfolio. Skepticism aside, I look forward to hopefully reviewing these extended stay brands in the future — and maybe even understanding the differences between them.

Author
Founder ~ Moneyat30
Kyle is a freelance writer - including being the head writer for Fioney.com. He also serves as editorial director for the Disney fan site LaughingPlace.com and the founder of Money@30.com. In 2015, Kyle and his wife Bekah moved from Los Angeles to Springfield MO in pursuit of greater financial freedom. Together, the pair enjoy travel, coffee, and spending time with their dog Rigby. Additionally, as of 2023, they become first-time homeowners.
Other Articles by Kyle Burbank
Walmart+ bag with goods, Paramount+ tablet, and Burger King bag and Whopper
Why I'm Excited for Walmart+ Week Happening Later This Month
To very loosely paraphrase a famed Dos Equis ad campaign, I don't always use Walmart+, but when I do, I enjoy it. For context, my Walmart+ membership is thanks to my Amex Platinum Card, which covers the monthly cost. While I enjoy the Scan & Go feature it offers and appreciate the complimentary Paramount+ subscription,...
entrance to Deta SkyClub ATL
Travel Tuesday: Delta's Newest Sky Club in Atlanta Has Arrived
Delta has debuted its latest Sky Club location at its hometown hub — which also happens to be the busiest airport in the world: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta. This week, the airline shared a first look at its new Concourse D lounge. While this is now the eighth Sky Club at ATL, there were previously nine, with...
vacationers with a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Famed Chase Sapphire Preferred 100k Offer Has Returned
For credit card enthusiasts, while ongoing perks and rewards are great, it's the welcome bonuses that are really exciting. In particular, when a low or no annual fee card features an offer that crosses into six figures, people talk. On that note, one of the most often discussed deals in recent years was a 100,000-point...

Leave a Reply

Featured Articles
Why I'm Excited for Walmart+ Week Happening Later This Month
To very loosely paraphrase a famed Dos Equis ad campaign, I don't always use Walmart+, but when I do, I enjoy it. For context, my Walmart+ membership is thanks to my Amex Platinum Card, which covers the monthly cost. While I enjoy the Scan & Go feature it offers and appreciate the complimentary Paramount+ subscription,...
Travel Tuesday: Delta's Newest Sky Club in Atlanta Has Arrived
Delta has debuted its latest Sky Club location at its hometown hub — which also happens to be the busiest airport in the world: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta. This week, the airline shared a first look at its new Concourse D lounge. While this is now the eighth Sky Club at ATL, there were previously nine, with...
The Famed Chase Sapphire Preferred 100k Offer Has Returned
For credit card enthusiasts, while ongoing perks and rewards are great, it's the welcome bonuses that are really exciting. In particular, when a low or no annual fee card features an offer that crosses into six figures, people talk. On that note, one of the most often discussed deals in recent years was a 100,000-point...
Should I Have a Business Credit Card? This Offer is Tempting Me
For as much as my credit card collection has grown over the years, one arena that I have yet to expand into is business credit cards. Of course, that makes sense seeing as their products are built for small business owners and aren't available to regular consumers. However, as a freelance writer, I technically am...