As part of the Art of the Brand event that was sponsored by Hilton in Nashville recently, a sneak peek was given to one of the newest brands: LivSmart Studios by Hilton, which was first introduced on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 under the temporary name of Project H3. Although Hilton already has two extended stay brands within its portfolio, LivSmart Studios differentiates itself as a lower mid-scale extended-stay solution in the lodging industry with some notable features.
LivSmart Studios by Hilton: A Sneak Peek
Although a LivSmart Studios by Hilton hotel property has yet to open at the time this article was written, a mock-up of the brand concept exists in a nondescript building in Nashville.
Included in the lobby area will be a dedicated area for deliveries of food, packages, and other items to be placed until guests claim them.
Snacks, beverages, and frozen foods will be available for purchase.
A complimentary grab-and-go breakfast will be included in the room rate. Free coffee will also be available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Rather than just another hotel property, the hallway reflects that the concept resembles studio apartments as a viable solution for travelers who may be on the road for weeks or months at a time but require an option that is of a lower cost — such as government employees, contractors who are assigned to an extended temporary project, or people who have filed insurance claims while their homes are being repaired.
To lighten the mood, whimsical doodle “drawings” occasionally decorate the walls of the hallways somewhat inconspicuously.
Lower cost or more inexpensive for longer term stays does not translate into cheap, however.
A full in-suite kitchen that is stocked with thoughtful necessities is the first aspect of the room which guests notice as they walk through the doorway of the entrance to the room, which is on the left in the above photograph. Guests are able to customize their experience with baskets for kitchen items and personal items — such as the basket on top of the full-sized refrigerator.
The kitchen also includes a microwave oven with a recirculating exhaust fan; a counter which is seven feet and four inches in length; a 24-inch dishwasher; an “undermount sink” that is equipped with a garbage disposal; a counter and shelf above that are furniture, fixtures, or other equipment casegoods; and a cooktop with two burners.
On the wall which is opposite the kitchen area is a place where items can be quickly hung or stored — including a shelf for keys and other small items.
Between the kitchen and the bedroom area is a table which can be used for working remotely, sharing a meal, or multiple other functions. Both the table and chairs can easily be moved to a different part of the room for the purpose of customization and utility. Above the table is a memento shelf for displaying personal items to give the room more of a feel of being at home.
The beds are similar to those that are found in rooms at Tru by Hilton hotel properties. They are reasonably comfortable at a minimum. No carpet is found on the floors, as they are comprised of luxury tile flooring with smooth hard surfaces for easier maintenance. The five-foot window is designed to maximize natural daylight in the room; but it is covered with both sheer drapery to ensure privacy while still allowing light to fill the room and blackout drapery to keep out as much light as possible.
One very thoughtful solution about which most people would not think is the placement of a swivel chair and ottoman for rest and relaxation in the room. The chair is purposely situated in a corner between a bed and the entrance to the bathroom.
I sat in the chair, which was more comfortable than it appears. Unlike in a traditional hotel room where the chair is placed in the corner between the bed and the window, anyone who sits in this chair will not be able to see the door of the entrance to the room — nor the hallway with the kitchen — both of which are hidden to the right in the above photograph. This helps to strengthen the feel of “living at home” instead of staying in a typical hotel room.
Speaking of the bathroom, many features are included. For example, a spacious four-foot vanity offers open and closed storage space. An illuminated mirror offers ideal lighting for guests; while architectural “cans” in the ceiling provide bright light. The exhaust fan will have its own switch. In addition to a bar of soap, bulk dispensers will include body wash and shampoo by ZERO/o, which are also currently found in the bathrooms of rooms at Hampton Inn by Hilton hotel properties.
Rooms with king beds will be equipped with showers; while 32″ x 60″ bath tubs with shower curtains will be found in the bathrooms of rooms with two queen beds. Panels which surround the bath tub will keep the experience clean and fresh. A 34″ x 60″ shower with glass enclosure will be available as an optional upgrade.
Each side of the entrance to the bathroom is flanked with a closet: one with a door for privacy; and an open en suite closet without a door but is still enclosed on three sides. The open closet is 30 inches wide and will include a hang bar, a storage shelf, and a light switch. I would have preferred a door or some other divider on the closet without a door; but that might have consumed too much space.
Pets will be welcomed at LivSmart Studios by Hilton.
Isaac Lake — who is the brand leader of LivSmart Studios by Hilton — led the tour of both mock rooms and answered many questions.
Not included in the mock-up of LivSmart Studios by Hilton are a multifunctional laundry room, a fitness center, and a spacious outdoor gathering area that will be equipped with a fire pit, grills, and comfortable seating.
Final Boarding Call
The first four LivSmart Studios by Hilton hotel properties will soon open in Kokomo in Indiana, Fort Worth Burleson and Tyler in Texas, and Port Allen Baton Rouge in Louisiana.
LivSmart Studios by Hilton is likely not a preferred option for many traditional travelers because it is designed to emulate studio apartments for longer term stays without having to sign a lease for at least a year…
…and that will help to save money for the target market of customers — especially if they work for a corporation that negotiates a deal for them. However, enough amenities exist for typical hotel guests who want to stay at a LivSmart Studios by Hilton hotel property should be comfortable — especially if the price is right for the room rate. I would certainly consider staying as a guest at a LivSmart Studios by Hilton hotel property as an option.
Pricing of room rates is “automatic” in the sense that a guest who stays for a month will pay less per day than a guest who stays for a week.
The best part is that the room is not bare bones basic for the lower cost, as it includes amenities that are thoughtfully included in the room rate to ensure that guests are comfortable.
All photographs ©2024 by Brian Cohen.
