Hilton has debuted the first-ever Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton, just eight months after it announced the new, conversion-only brand in January of this year.
“Upon reflection, occasionally in life if you’re lucky, you get to be part of the unique moments in time that you will always remember,” Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer, Hilton told those assembled for the ribbon cutting and celebration. “And for us, launching a brand is a unique experience—and one that we savor—one that we have a lot of passion that we put into, and one that we reflect on both in advance and then once we get past the launch, And this is one of those moments and I just want to say to you, we savor this, and we’re absolutely honored to be savoring it with you today.”
Located less than half a mile from I-95, the hotel is located in the historic maritime town of Mystic, CT, near landmarks including The Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport Museum, Olde Mistick Village and the Mystic Bascule Drawbridge. The hotel is also less than two miles away from local shops and restaurants in Mystic’s quaint downtown.
The property has 120 guestrooms and a seasonal outdoor pool. Other signature elements of Spark by Hilton hotels include:
- A 24-hour retail market and a complimentary breakfast, featuring coffee, juice and a signature bagel bar with spreads.
- Public space with multifunctional seating from communal tables to rocking chairs
- Guestrooms outfitted with practical amenities, including simple, streamlined furniture, an open closet, an in-room refrigerator, a multi-purpose work surface and a bright bathroom.
The hotel was converted in only six months and Alissa Klees, brand leader, Spark by Hilton, told Hotel Business that Hilton has created a “backbone” for efficient conversions. “They would be making these big decisions at the end of existing agreements,” she added. “For them, it’s about the investment and how quick can they get on an engine like Hilton. So, we carefully constructed everything that you see, with that timeline in mind. Can they do it in nine months, quite frankly? And this hotel actually is a testament to it, because he converted it in six. So, if you put your mind to it, you can do it.”
“Needless to say, we’re thrilled with being the first Spark by Hilton to be opened,” said Lou Carrier, president, Distinctive Hospitality Group, which owns and operates the property. “We’re extremely confident the Mystic/Eastern Connecticut marketplace will present the diversified business drivers to allow our 120-room hotel to flourish. Additionally, we are already seeing an incredible mix of Hilton Honors members giving trial to the new brand as well as never before Hilton Honors members signing up to join the loyalty program. Hilton is clearly redefining the economy segment with Spark.”
