Newport Hospitality Group’s Strategic Expansion
In a significant move for the hospitality sector, Newport Hospitality Group has announced its expansion into the Midwest with the addition of two new properties: the Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Easton and Homewood Suites Columbus Easton in Ohio. This dual-branded hotel complex is strategically located adjacent to the vibrant Easton Town Center, a bustling hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Why Columbus?
Columbus is Ohio’s capital and a rapidly growing market, characterized by a diverse economic base that includes government, education, healthcare, technology, and retail sectors. Wayne West III, President of Newport Hospitality Group, expressed enthusiasm about the return to Ohio, stating, “Columbus is a high-growth market with strong fundamentals and year-round demand.” This market analysis is backed by data, showcasing Columbus’s steady development trajectory, making it an ideal location for hospitality investments.
The Properties at a Glance
- Opened: December 2021
- Total Guestrooms: 240
- Hilton Garden Inn: 144 rooms
- Homewood Suites: 96 suites
- Meeting and Event Space: Over 6,000 square feet
Designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, these hotels offer a compelling mix of accommodations and amenities, positioning them as a strong choice for corporate meetings and group events.
Operational Excellence and Revenue Strategy
Newport Hospitality Group is renowned for its operational excellence and a people-first service approach. The management of these dual-branded properties is a testament to Newport’s commitment to high-quality hospitality, a philosophy echoed by owner Rani Bhatnagar, who mentioned that their core values align perfectly with Newport’s mission.
Newport plans to implement a unified commercial strategy across both hotel brands, ensuring that each property maximizes its potential through disciplined revenue management and targeted marketing campaigns. This approach is vital in a competitive market like Columbus, where attracting both transient and extended-stay guests is essential.
The Role of Location
The location next to Easton Town Center enhances the appeal of these hotels. This popular destination provides visitors with a unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it an attractive choice for various traveler demographics:
- Business Travelers: Quick access to corporate offices and meeting venues.
- Families: Spacious suites for extended stays and family vacations.
- Event Planners: Flexible meeting spaces for corporate gatherings and local events.
Community Engagement and Local Impact
Newport Hospitality Group aims to be a positive contributor to the local community. As noted by Rani Bhatnagar, the hotels are built upon strong morals and a dedicated work ethic, which Newport exemplifies through its operational practices. This focus on community engagement not only enhances the guest experience but also fosters loyalty and trust among local residents.
Looking Ahead
As Newport expands its Hilton-managed portfolio to 14 hotels, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for quality hospitality services in Columbus. By leveraging its extensive experience in managing select-service and extended-stay hotels, Newport is set to unlock new growth opportunities.
West emphasizes the importance of executing consistently at the highest level, which will be crucial for achieving success in this dynamic market. With its strategic entry into Columbus, Newport Hospitality Group is poised to make a significant impact on the local hospitality landscape.
Join the Conversation!
What do you think about Newport Hospitality Group’s expansion into the Midwest? Are you excited about the new offerings at the Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Easton and Homewood Suites Columbus Easton? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
About Newport Hospitality Group
Based in Williamsburg, Virginia, Newport Hospitality Group has over 35 years of experience in hotel management, helping owners achieve growth through a unified commercial strategy. With partnerships across major hotel brands including Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt, Newport is committed to a people-first approach to hospitality.
For more information about Newport Hospitality Group, visit nhghotels.com.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.





