New Holiday Inn Express & Suites at Freedom Tech Center Among Top 15 in U.S. to Earn 2025 IHG Newcomer Award

Less than a year after opening, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Walton Beach – Eglin Area at Freedom Tech Center has been named a recipient of the 2025 IHG Newcomer Award, placing it among just 15 newly opened hotels recognized nationwide out of thousands of IHG properties across the United States.

The 115-room hotel, which opened Sept. 12, 2024, is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, with more than 4,000 hotels in the U.S. alone.

The Newcomer Award recognizes newly opened properties that achieve exceptional guest satisfaction scores, operational excellence, and strong overall performance within their first year.

Since opening, the Fort Walton Beach property has consistently maintained a 4.9-star rating on Google, with guest reviews frequently highlighting the hotel’s staff, cleanliness, and attention to detail. Reviews commonly reference “exceptionally kind staff,” “spotless rooms,” and a “top-notch breakfast experience,” as well as thoughtful touches such as complimentary cookies and personalized service.

The hotel was developed and is owned by The Jay Odom Group, a regionally focused

developer with more than 30 years of experience, which also launched its own hospitality management company, Odom Hotelz™, to operate the property. The vertically integrated approach allows the organization to design, build, and manage its hotels with a consistent vision centered on guest experience and employee culture.

Odom Hotelz operates on a philosophy rooted in omotenashi, a Japanese concept of hospitality centered on anticipating needs, delivering thoughtful service without expectation, and creating genuine, unscripted guest experiences. This philosophy is reflected in the company’s three guiding pillars: service for guests, investment in employees, and impact within the community.

“This award is a reflection of our people and the culture we are building,” said Tania Koehler, Executive Vice President of Hotel Operations for Odom Hotelz. “We created Odom Hotelz with the belief that when you truly take care of your team, they take exceptional care of your guests. Our staff shows up every day with that mindset, and guests feel it in the smallest details. That is what this recognition represents.”

The property features a modern, aviation-inspired design that honors the region’s strong ties to Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field. Custom-designed elements such as the Pilot’s Lounge and the Flight Deck Boardroom distinguish the hotel from traditional Holiday Inn Express properties, offering elevated spaces for both business and leisure travelers.

Additional amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, fitness center, business facilities, and a manager’s reception offered up to twice weekly with complimentary drinks and snacks. The hotel is located approximately 9 minutes from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) and about 20 minutes from public beach access along Florida’s Emerald Coast.

The hotel is situated within Freedom Tech Center, a 52-acre mixed-use development built on a long-term ground lease with the U.S. Air Force. A portion of revenue generated within the development supports Eglin Air Force Base’s mission, reinforcing the project’s connection to the local military community.

Beyond serving military and government travelers, the hotel is positioned within a growing regional hub that also attracts leisure visitors, sports teams, and event attendees seeking convenient access to beaches, athletic facilities, and community events throughout Okaloosa County.

As Freedom Tech Center continues to expand with additional office, hospitality, and commercial developments underway, the hotel’s early national recognition underscores both the area’s growth and the demand for high-quality accommodations in Northwest Florida.

About The Jay Odom Group

The Jay Odom Group is a Northwest Florida-based real estate development firm with more than 30 years of experience in residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. The company focuses on creating large-scale developments that integrate community, business, and lifestyle.

About Odom Hotelz™

Odom Hotelz™ is a vertically integrated hospitality management company founded to deliver a people-first approach to hotel operations. Built on the principles of service,

employee investment, and community impact, the company emphasizes a culture where thoughtful, genuine hospitality drives performance and guest satisfaction.

Website: https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/fort-walton- beach/vpsfn/hoteldetail

Media Contact:

Mimy Kincaid
Marketing & Business Development Director The Jay Odom Group
Email: [email protected]