Business Spotlight: Staybridge Suites Downtown Wilmington

BY COLIN HEFFINGER

For business leaders flocking to the First State, travelers may be surprised to discover a new selection for their visit:

Staybridge Suites Downtown Wilmington, by IHG. Opened just over three years ago as a conversion of a prior office building, Staybridge Suites functions like standard lodging but specializes as an extended-stay hotel, providing apartment-like accommodations and additional business-quality services for guests to feel at home during their stay.

Owned by Driftwood Hospitality Management, which also manages brand locations such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Best Western throughout the country, Staybridge Suites Downtown Wilmington serves as a local franchise of the well-known Staybridge Suites hotel experience. Suites are equipped with full-sized kitchens, access to a 24-hour business center and two meeting rooms, as well as a full laundry area and gym. Guests are served a complimentary breakfast seven days a week and can attend evening receptions on select days.

Jason Petrak, director of marketing for Staybridge Suites Downtown Wilmington, explains their approach to fulfilling guest needs. “A lot of our guests, whether business travelers, families in transition, or just someone looking for an extended vacation, typically spend a week or even up to a month with us,” says Petrak. “It’s all about creating that comfortable environment where they’re taken care of throughout their visit.”

“One of the most prominent details that makes us stand out as a lodging option is our customer service and what guests are saying about us,” continues Petrak. “This speaks volumes to our fantastic staff. Management works hard to motivate our team in taking the best care of our guests, which is reflected across guest service scores, maintenance requests, cleanliness, and more. We’re further supported by Driftwood Hospitality Management, who wholeheartedly invests in our team to ensure we have everything we need to excel in our daily work.”

Currently, Petrak is excited about new business activity in the surrounding area. Out of the five surrounding buildings that have been unoccupied recently, at least two will be converted into additional research and development spaces for Incyte, a biopharmaceutical company well-known for its treatments for rare and hard-to-treat diseases. Other nearby buildings are also likely to be picked up by innovative firms, creating new opportunities for Staybridge Suites to support researchers and business leaders visiting from across the country.

“Being a business in Delaware is different from operating in other states,” finishes Petrak. “I’ve been living and working in Delaware for thirty years, and business reputation really matters here thanks to our tight-knit communities. A lot of people know each other and work together throughout all levels of business. As we continue to set footholds here in Wilmington, our biggest priority is getting the word out about who we are and what we provide for our guests. All in all, we’re just here to take care of people.”