First Hotel to Feature Choice Hotels’ Lobby in a Box Concept

Choice Hotels International, Inc. has opened its first new construction hotel featuring the innovative ‘Lobby in a Box’ package – the MainStay Suites in Chesapeake, Virginia. The design concept allows for a communal lobby area with flexible setup options, catering to guests’ varying needs for lounging, working, dining, or watching TV.

The MainStay Suites in Chesapeake is also the first hotel to incorporate the ‘Kitchen in a Box’ package, simplifying the installation of in-room kitchens. The hotel’s new design and layout aim to meet the growing demand for extended-stay accommodations at lower costs, offering guests a home-like experience.

Ray Patel developed the hotel, a three-story, 77-room property located at 1660 Debaun Ave in Chesapeake. It was designed to serve the local market’s needs, which comprises military personnel, defense contractors, shipyards, universities, and nearby corporations such as Dollar Tree and Northrop Grumman.

It includes a built-in marketplace selling travel essentials and on-the-go meal and beverage options in the lobby. Furthermore, it features in-room kitchens that offer residential comfort for guests.

The hotel is also committed to sustainability, installing over 330 solar panels and providing an eco-friendly energy source. The construction was partly financed through a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan for energy-efficient projects supported by Hebron Savings Bank.

The MainStay Suites Chesapeake offers 44,353 square feet of guest accommodations and amenities, including fully equipped kitchens, designated work and relaxation areas in each suite, and versatile lobby spaces.