New Property Fulfills Growing Demand from Travelers to the Sixth Largest Shopping, Dining and Entertainment Destination in the U.S.
SYRACUSE, NY and MCLEAN, VA – October 24, 2016 – International tourist destination Destiny USA and Hilton (NYSE: HLT) formally announced their partnership to bring an Embassy Suites by Hilton, a global brand of upscale, all-suite hotels, to New York’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination. An Embassy Suites flag was raised today at Destiny USA to mark the announcement.
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse – Destiny USA will be the first hotel located in the shopping destination complex. It will feature an onsite restaurant and pool, and be the go-to property for guests traveling to visit Destiny USA and experience Central New York.
“We are pleased to partner with Destiny USA to bring travelers the first hotel directly connected to this premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination,” said Alan Roberts, global head of Embassy Suites by Hilton. “Visitors cross city, state and international borders to enjoy this dynamic entertainment venue, and we look forward to enhancing their stay with our robust amenities and spacious suites.”
The hotel will feature Embassy Suites’ Design Option III, an innovative concept that allows developers the flexibility to customize the property’s design while remaining true to the brand’s pillars. Developers are able to choose from a variety of suite-styles, including side-by-side, shotgun and one-room suites, and the enhanced atrium will offer guests a modern, open-air space designed for socialization and comfort. The concept allows for increased efficiencies across construction and operational costs, while enhancing the overall guest experience with more natural light throughout the hotel.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with Embassy Suites and Hilton on this exciting venture, which further solidifies Destiny USA’s reputation as an international tourist destination,” said Stephen J. Congel, Chief Executive Officer, Pyramid Management Group, LLC. “It is an honor and privilege to continue my father Robert Congel’s vision for Destiny USA and the continued transformation of the Syracuse Lakefront Area.”
The $48 million hotel project was financed by a lending group led by M&T Bank and joined by Berkshire Bank and Tompkins Trust Company. The hotel is scheduled to open in the fall of 2017. Upon completion of construction, the hotel will be operated by Aimbridge Hospitality, the nation’s second largest independent hotel management firm.
“Destiny USA has become a premier tourist destination for the Central New York community, attracting travelers from across the country, and all over the world,” said Allen J. Naples, regional president for M&T Bank’s Central New York region. “M&T Bank is incredibly honored to play such an important role in the growth of the tourism economy for our community, and the evolution of Destiny USA as a world-class destination.”
The hotel project has created more than 200 construction jobs and will result in more than 70 permanent jobs when the hotel is completed. The project is being built by Hueber-Breuer Construction Co., along with a series of local contractors.
“Destiny USA continues to establish itself and the Central New York region as a growing and thriving international tourist destination,” said Joanie Mahoney, Onondaga County Executive. “The addition of the Embassy Suites hotel will give tourists from all over the country and globe a great option to extend their visit.”
“Destiny USA is at the epicenter of tourism in New York State,” said Gavin Landry, Executive Director of Tourism for Empire State Development. “As the top attraction in Central New York and greatest driver of outside market visitation, Destiny USA and Embassy Suites will play an integral role in growing the region’s thriving tourism industry by attracting new visitors and generating economic activity for decades to come.”
The hotel will feature all of the signature amenities offered at Embassy Suites, including free made-to-order breakfast each morning, a complimentary two-hour Evening Reception* with drinks and snacks, and suites with a separate living area, formal sleeping area, and a bar fitted with a microwave and refrigerator. For more information on Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse – Destiny USA, please visit www.embassysuites.com. For development queries, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com/development.
Media can access additional information including downloadable images at news.embassysuites.com.
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About Destiny USA
Shopping, dining and entertainment so big, it needed its own zip code. Welcome to Destiny USA—New York’s largest destination of its kind with over 250 places to shop, dine and play, visited by 26 million guests every year. From an antique carousel to the world’s largest suspended ropes course at WonderWorks to tropical destination Margaritaville, Cheesecake Factory and retail and outlet brands like Apple, Nordstrom rack, Michael Kors and more, there’s something for everyone at Destiny USA. And all of it under one roof with perfect weather year round. Discover the Destiny USA experience and plan your next visit at www.destinyusa.com.
About Pyramid Management Group, LLC
Pyramid Management Group, owner of Destiny USA, is one of the largest, most innovative, privately-held shopping center developers in North America. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, Pyramid’s portfolio of retail-based, tourist, and entertainment destinations dominate the northeast, with 16 properties located throughout New York, Massachusetts and Virginia. For over 40 years, Pyramid has lead the industry by combining the best elements of traditional retail with world-class dining and entertainment, all under one roof. For more information, visit www.pyramidmg.com.
About Embassy Suites by Hilton
Embassy Suites by Hilton, one of Hilton’s 13 market-leading brands, is dedicated to delivering what matters most to travelers. The full service, upscale brand offers two-room suites, free made-to-order breakfast and a nightly two-hour reception with complimentary drinks and snacks. Both leisure and business travelers looking for a relaxed, yet sophisticated experience will feel right at home with brand-standard amenities like inviting atriums and complimentary 24-hour business and fitness centers. Embassy Suites by Hilton has 228 hotels with nearly 50 in the pipeline. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels receive instant benefits, including an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else, free standard Wi-Fi and digital amenities like digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key (selected locations) available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app. For more information, or to book a stay, visit embassysuites.com. Social media users may connect with Embassy Suites by Hilton at facebook.com/embassysuiteshotels, twitter.com/EmbassySuites and instagram.com/embassysuites. For the latest news, media may visit the Global Media Center at news.embassysuites.com.
*Service of alcohol subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, comprising more than 4,700 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties with over 775,000 rooms in 104 countries and territories. For 97 years, Hilton has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company’s portfolio of 13 world-class global brands includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where Hilton HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn and Instagram.