First Hospitality expands into new markets, launches portfolio verticals

CHICAGO – First Hospitality, a national hotel operating and development company, grew into Oklahoma, Georgia, and Bahamas, while continuing growth in its existing markets, plus opened three new development lifestyle properties. This growth reflects First Hospitality’s continued focus on upscale, soft brand and lifestyle properties which now accounts for nearly 45% of its portfolio. This brings its diverse portfolio to more than 70 lifestyle, independent, and branded properties, with over 10,000 keys, and 3,500 world-class associates.

“The successes of First Hospitality in 2024 can be attributed directly to the exceptional talents of our associates, a strong culture, and our superior operating platform,” said David Duncan, President and CEO of First Hospitality. “Our expansion into new markets has strengthened our team and strategically broadened our geographic footprint. This growth also enabled us to welcome new sophisticated owners and enhance our offerings of restaurants and bars.”

Lively Hotel on OAK, rendering.

First Hospitality expanded its business into Atlanta, GA, by assuming management of the Atlanta Airport – DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Oklahoma City, OK, with the opening of a new development, the Lively Hotel on OAK – Tapestry by Hilton, and internationally with the opening of Carnivale Bahamas in Nassau, Bahamas, located on Paradise Island. First Hospitality also grew in its current markets including the opening of a new development, the Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown Nulu while growing its footprint in Wisconsin by assuming management of The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa in Fontana on Geneva Lake, WI. Coming soon, First Hospitality will open new development, Hotel Ardent – Tapestry by Hilton in Dayton, OH in February 2025.

With this growth, First Hospitality is proud to announce the launch of two new company verticals – Full Service and Lifestyle Hotels and Premium Select Service Hotels – marking a significant step in the company’s continued evolution. The Full Service and Lifestyle Hotels vertical will focus on curating unique, experiential properties that cater to travelers seeking distinctive and immersive stays, blending exceptional design, personalized service, and innovation. Meanwhile, the Premium Select Service Hotels vertical will emphasize delivering elevated hospitality experiences in the select-service segment, combining efficiency with high-quality amenities to meet the needs of modern and value-focused travelers. These new verticals position First Hospitality to better serve a broader range of guests and owners, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in hospitality management.

Duncan added, “The strategic steps and actions in 2024 have positioned First Hospitality extremely well to drive strong performance for all our ownership groups in 2025 and beyond. As we continue to grow, we will reach new communities, strengthening our bench of resources and offering more opportunities to our talented team.”

In 2024, First Hospitality also announced the launch of First Analytics, an innovative suite of forward-looking analytics and reporting. Customized to the individual hotel and tailored to First Hospitality’s owners’ specific needs, First Analytics, provides owners with real-time access to critical insights and benchmarks. This proprietary business analytics platform empowers company leaders to make data-driven decisions that drive revenue growth, optimize financial performance, enhance guest satisfaction, and boost employee engagement. Customized to the individual hotel and tailored to First Hospitality’s owners’ specific needs, First Analytics is updated daily, providing partners with real-time access to critical insights and benchmarks, delivered seamlessly through Microsoft Power BI, which provides full transparency with property ownership.

The article First Hospitality expands into new markets, launches portfolio verticals first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.