M&R Debuts Its First Dual-Brand Project

M&R last month opened its first dual-brand project, the Residence Inn New York Queens and SpringHill Suites New York Queens, in the rapidly developing neighborhood of Long Island City, Queens.

The project, at 38-35 Ninth St., just north of the Queensboro Bridge and Queensboro Park, features the two brands in a single building: 135-room Residence Inn, an extended-stay brand that focuses on bookings of two or more nights, and a 270-room SpringHill Suites, which Marriott includes in its select brands category.

Long Island City is a thriving hotel market convenient to both Manhattan and area airports, according to Stevie Kaye, who serves as general manager of both hotels.  The E and F subway lines provide service to Manhattan from the nearby station at 41st Avenue and 21st Street, and transportation is available to LaGuardia and Kennedy Airports.

Like dual-brand properties generally, the breakfast room and fitness center are shared by both brands, while other amenties are brand-specific. Residence Inn guest rooms, for example, are outfitted with fully equipped kitchens, given that extended-stay guests may be more inclined to prepare meals in their room. By contrast, SpringHill Suites’ rooms offer kitchenettes, better suited to the transient guest.

“By offering two different brands in one building, we’re able to appeal to two different types of travelers, each with their own specific needs,” Stevie said. “Similarly, we’re able to offer our associates the experience of working for two different types of lodging.”

The dual-brand project joins M&R’s seven other Marriott hotels, including four Fairfields, a TownePlace Suites, a Le Meridien and a SpringHill. Stevie is a veteran of Marriott hotels, having worked at both SpringHill and Fairfield properties.