Grand Bay Advisors Oversees Conversion of Stylish new Hampton Inn by Hilton, Transforming Tourism Experience in Southwest Virginia

(Norfolk, Va., August 29, 2024) – A former Holiday Inn hotel in Norton, Virginia, recently emerged with a new name, brand and transformational renovation, with construction and hotel management services provided by Grand Bay Advisors of Norfolk, Virginia, and HSB Construction of Baltimore.

            The Norton Hampton Inn by Hilton opened on April 12, 2024. Under a licensing agreement with Hilton Hotels, SAI Properties of Columbus, Ohio, purchased the property in 2023 and hired Grand Bay Advisors to facilitate the hotel conversion.

            “We are thrilled to have played a key role in converting this property,” said Grand Bay Advisors Principal Matt Winston, whose business is an approved Hilton management company. “Our affiliate, HSB Construction, worked diligently to transform this previously vacant building into a modern and striking hotel that will be an asset to the Norton community and visitors who travel to Southwest Virginia.”

            HSB Construction Principal Sanket Patel oversaw the hotel renovation from the ground up, remaking the property into a stylish hotel with modern amenities. Grand Bay partner Myong Winston helped guide the new owners through the hotel transformation, which included everything from sales and marketing support to hiring and training the staff and managing the opening logistics.

            “Working with the SAI Properties owners on this project was a pleasure,” said Patel. “The design approval process alone was challenging since this was not a prototypical project. We  delivered an outstanding finished product at an affordable price point, despite today’s challenging construction environment.”An asset to the Southwestern Virginia tourism industry

Located at 1051 Park Avenue in the city’s downtown area, the Norton Hampton Inn by Hilton has 95 rooms and features a heated, indoor saltwater pool, fitness center and pet-friendly rooms. Its location on the far western tip of Virginia makes it ideal for visitors to the Appalachian region.

            “The Norton Hampton Inn by Hilton will be a welcome stop for guests and an asset to the city and region’s tourism industry,” said Fred L. Ramey Jr., executive director of the Norton Industrial Development Authority. “With three state parks and more than 90,000 acres of the Jefferson National Forest, Norton is the perfect ‘basecamp’ to explore the High Knob Region by bike, trail, kayak or with a rod and reel.”

            The hotel is off to a good start. The Norton Hampton Inn by Hilton is earning guest scores in the top 6% and 1% for “stay” and “room quality” for all Hampton Inn hotels in the U.S. In addition, its scores of 96.4% and 94.9% for “overall cleanliness” and “service quality” ensure the Hampton Inn Norton will be a top choice of guests traveling to the region.

The right advisors for the job 

            Matt Winston, a hospitality industry veteran, co-founded Grand Bay Advisors in 2017. He started his operating background with Hyatt Hotels in Chicago, the world’s busiest convention center hotel, and has brokered transactions with hotel brands such as Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental Hotels Group and Choice Hotels International.

            Patel’s hospitality experience includes the development, construction and operations of more than 1 million square feet in assets. His projects have garnered numerous awards including The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore’s Hotel award and the Apex award for Eco Excellence.

            Matt Winston and Patel, who began collaborating as client and advisor during the Great Recession, realized they worked well together and shared common business philosophies. By tapping into this synergy, along with Myong Winston’s background in corporate sales, process management and real estate, the Grand Bay Advisors trio are known for their efficiency in evaluating business opportunities and creating outstanding value for their clients.

            In addition to hotel development, asset management and transaction experience, Grand Bay Advisors provides commercial real estate expertise in restaurant and retail services as well as tenant representation. For information, visit GrandBayAdvisors.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Elizabeth Evans, (757) 705-7153; elizabeth@evansatwork.com

Grand Bay Advisors and HSB Construction handled the conversion of a stylish new Hampton Inn by Hilton in Norton, Virginia.