by: JJ Singh
Fairfield by Marriott coming to Middletown, 2021
As reported by WDEL, LNW Hospitality and Axia Hotel Group announced a collaboration to bring the first Marriott hotel to Middletown, DE. The joint venture signed a franchise agreement with Marriott and is expected to break ground on a new Fairfield by Marriott in 2020, with an opening scheduled in 2021.
The development team has had a long-term presence in Delaware and in hospitality. LNW Hospitality develops, owns, and manages hotel assets on the east coast, with three Marriott brands in its portfolio. Its parent company, Leon N. Weiner & Associates, Inc. (LNWA), has been in Delaware for more than 70 years, with over 35 years in Middletown itself, through its ownership of Middletown Trace Apartments and Fairfield Commons Apartments. “We see tremendous opportunity in Middletown,” said Kevin Kelly, Chairman of LNWA. “The town is thriving, Fairfield by Marriott is a great brand, and our partner, Axia, has a strong track record in town as well.”
Axia Hotel Group has been in the hotel business in Delaware since the 1960s and has developed eight hotels in that time. In 2006, Axia brought the first branded hotel to Middletown, with the development of its Hampton Inn & Suites on Sandhill Drive, which was recently renovated. “Our Hampton has performed well, and we see an opportunity to grow our presence,” said Axia President Tom Kramedas. “We’ve got a great site, partner in LNW Hospitality, and brand in Fairfield by Marriott.”
Middletown, an historic town established in 1861, is a thriving community. In the last 20 years, the population has more than tripled, while multinational corporations have built large presences in town. The hotel site sits close to the entrance into Middletown from the newly constructed mainline U.S. Route 301, surrounded by numerous dining and entertainment amenities. At the intersection of Warwick Road and Merrimac Avenue, the hotel will be visible to all cars that pass through town. “Middletown has had a successful track record of attracting employers,” said Mayor Kenneth Branner, Jr. “I’m pleased that LNW Hospitality and Axia Hotel Group wish to bring a Marriott property to town. The two companies have been good corporate citizens and I look forward to our continued work together.”
Fairfield by Marriott is the second largest brand in Marriott’s portfolio, with over 1,000 properties and more than 400 more, worldwide, in its pipeline. Fairfield welcomes guests with its friendly service and comfortable spaces, offering flexibility to work, rest, and maintain balance on the road. Amenities include a complementary hot breakfast and coffee, as well as a fitness center and lobby market.