News

August 16, 2017

Dual-Branded Tru by Hilton/Homewood Suites by Hilton ‘Breaks Ground’ at Crossgates Mall

Tru by Hilton, the game-changing new midscale brand from Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton, the award-winning upscale, all-suite hotel brand, ‘broke new ground’ on the dual-branded property at Crossgates Mall in Guilderland today. This is the first dual-branded Tru and Homewood Suites by Hilton property to break ground within the Hilton portfolio. This five-story, 192-room hotel is the town of Guilderland’s first new ground up hotel development in over 20 years.

The event was well attended by members of the local business community, and featured speakers including CEO of Pyramid Management Group, Stephen J. Congel; Vice President & Managing Director – Franchise Development at Hilton, Tom Lorenzo; Senior Vice President and President of M&T Bank’s central New York Region, Allen Naples; Guilderland Town Supervisor, Peter Barber; and General Manager of Crossgates Mall, Michael Gately.

The new hotel is scheduled to open fall of 2018 and will feature two separate areas designed for each brand, unique public spaces designed to promote social connectivity, a swimming pool, fitness center and an outdoor sport court.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Hilton on this exciting dual-branded venture. The addition of this hotel at Crossgates will further solidify its reputation as a premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination,” said Stephen J. Congel, Chief Executive Officer, Pyramid Management Group, LLC.

Future guests will not only enjoy the modern comfort and conveniences of Tru by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton, but also the unique location it offers, as it lies just a short walk from the vast shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities of Crossgates Mall. Business guests can enjoy one of over 20 dining establishments as the perfect setting for cocktails and dinner with a client, while those traveling for play can shop for European-inspired wardrobe pieces at Zara or indulge in a rejuvenating facial or relaxing massage at the award-winning, soon-to-open Spa Mirbeau.

“With Tru by Hilton appealing to a cross-generation of travelers, coupled with the upscale offerings of Homewood Suites, guests traveling to Guilderland will have desirable lodging options without having to sacrifice quality or value,” said Alexandra Jaritz, global head, Tru by Hilton. “Furthermore, we look forward to bringing the new and energetic vibe of Tru by Hilton to the area as we look to reinvent the midscale traveling experience.”

“We are thrilled that Hilton has chosen our town for this innovative product,” said town supervisor Peter G. Barber. “This exciting project will provide residents with in town accommodations for visiting families and friends; it will help local businesses and economic development; and with direct access to interstate highways, it’s at a perfect location.”

M&T Bank provided a construction loan, a critical element of the capital necessary to set the project in motion.

“With Tru by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton, developer Stephen Congel has created an anchor establishment that will help attract visitors to experience Guilderland and Albany County,” said Allen Naples, M&T Bank regional president for the Central New York region. “The new development, with the support of Hilton, will help create jobs and generate new economic activity, and we’re excited to provide the capital to help make it happen.”