Two new extended-stay hotels open, Bolstering local hospitality sector
On April 16, Huntsville’s hospitality landscape expanded with the grand opening of two extended-stay hotels—Everhome Suites and WoodSpring Suites—located side-by-side on Holmes Avenue. These additions cater to Huntsville’s increasing population of business travelers, contractors, and relocating professionals, offering a mix of affordable and upscale long-term lodging options.
The grand opening celebration, themed “Opening Day Double Header: Two Hotels, One Location,” brought the community together for a lively dual ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guests enjoyed food trucks, a scavenger hunt-style prize contest with giveaways like free hotel stays, TVs, and gift cards, and a special appearance by Sprocket, the beloved mascot of the Rocket City Trash Pandas.
Two Hotels, One Address—With Options for Every Budget
WoodSpring Suites provides economy-minded guests with weekly and monthly rates and practical amenities such as in-room kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Suites include queen- and king-size beds, full-size refrigerators, two-burner stovetops, microwaves, and prep areas—making it a cost-effective choice for workers on temporary assignments, including government employees and traveling nurses.
Next door, Everhome Suites delivers a higher-tier experience. The 98-room property offers upscale, apartment-style accommodations with spa-inspired bathrooms, dedicated workspaces, and fully equipped kitchens that include dishwashers and ample storage. Select one-bedroom suites include in-room washers and dryers. Guests also enjoy a 24/7 self-serve market and a fitness center.
This Huntsville location is one of three Everhome Suites to open nationwide in 2025, joining properties in Chandler, Arizona, and Temecula, California. Choice Hotels reports the Everhome brand now includes 10 operational sites, with 20 more under construction and over 65 in the pipeline.
“Huntsville was an ideal fit for Everhome Suites,” said Matt McElhare, Vice President of Extended Stay Brands at Choice Hotels. “It’s a thriving hub for aerospace, technology, and innovation—exactly the market where our long-stay model thrives.”
Construction Delays Reflect Growing Demand
Mason Miller, Managing Director of Hospitality Development & Acquisitions at Provident Realty Advisors, acknowledged that construction took longer than expected. He attributed the delays to Huntsville’s rigorous inspection process and the sheer volume of development projects across the city.
“Huntsville is tough on the inspection side and [the city] was busy from the boom, so getting inspections wasn’t always easy,” Miller said.
City records support Miller’s claim. According to a 2023 report from the City of Huntsville, the Inspection Department issued more Certificates of Occupancy than in any other year since recordkeeping began in 1983. The surge reflects the city’s record-setting population growth and construction activity, as Huntsville adds hundreds of new residents each month.
Tourism Boom – Good for Businesses and Taxpayers
The surge in hotel development aligns with broader tourism trends across Madison County. According to the Alabama Tourism Department’s 2023 Economic Impact Report, the county welcomed nearly 4 million visitors, who generated a record $2.4 billion in travel-related spending. More than 2.8 million visitors stayed overnight in hotels—more than in any other Alabama county. Tourism now supports over 23,000 local jobs.
Tourism also generates significant tax revenue through hotel stays, restaurant meals, retail purchases, and visits to local attractions. When visitors spend money, they pay sales taxes, lodging taxes, and other fees that go directly to city and county budgets. This added revenue helps fund essential public services—like roads, schools, police, and parks—without placing the full burden on local taxpayers. In Madison County, the $2.4 billion in visitor spending reported in 2023 translated into enough tax income to offset what each household would otherwise need to pay—saving the average Huntsville household about $1,300 a year in taxes.
A Hospitality Ecosystem Built for Growth
As local officials continue investing in infrastructure and regional development, Huntsville’s need for extended-stay accommodations is expected to grow. For developers, staffing agencies, and business travelers, the message is clear: Huntsville is not only open for business—it’s evolving to support the professionals who drive its success.