Wyndham Hotels & Resorts secured the top three positions in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Extended Stay Hotel Brand, announced on August 13, 2026. ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham earned the #1 spot, followed by Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham at #2 and WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham at #3.
ECHO Suites Rapid Expansion and Design
ECHO Suites opened its first hotel in 2024 and has since expanded to more than 20 operating locations across the United States, including Savannah, Georgia; Bozeman, Montana; and Colorado Springs, Colorado. The brand has awarded over 300 contracts. Designed for guests staying a week or
more, ECHO Suites features suites with fully equipped in-room kitchens and essential amenities. The property layout is optimized for nearly 79% revenue-generating square footage. Its streamlined operational model was developed with major institutional extended stay developers to maximize construction and operational efficiency.
Hawthorn and WaterWalk Extended Stay Performance
Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham operates over 100 hotels globally, delivering spacious, apartment-style accommodations with well-equipped kitchens. The brand maintains a 135% RevPAR Index compared to its midscale competitors, with recent properties opening in Nashville, Tennessee; Mebane, North Carolina; and Corpus Christi, Texas. WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham maintains an 11-hotel footprint across the United States, with locations
including Huntsville, Alabama; Phoenix, Arizona; and Jacksonville, Florida. WaterWalk’s LIVE|STAY model offers fully furnished suites and unfurnished residences. Year to date through June 2026, WaterWalk achieved a 103.2 Occupancy Index, representing 5.4% growth year over year.
Wyndham’s Global Scale and Technological Investments
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts operates approximately 8,400 hotels across nearly 100 countries, with a portfolio of 25 brands such as ECHO Suites, Hawthorn, WaterWalk, Super 8, and Days Inn. The company has invested over $450 million in technology in the last eight years, deploying AI-powered tools including Wyndham Connect and Wyndham AI Concierge to enhance franchise operations and customer experience. Wyndham Rewards, the company’s
loyalty program, has surpassed 126 million enrolled members.
Industry Recognition and Brand Strategy
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards winners were chosen by public vote from nominees selected by travel experts. Wyndham’s top-three sweep highlights the company’s strength in the extended stay segment, the fastest-growing hospitality category. Wyndham’s portfolio addresses varied traveler needs across economy, midscale, and upscale extended stay accommodations, with tailored brand experiences for stays from one week to several months. Official statements from Wyndham leadership emphasized the significance of achieving this recognition shortly after ECHO Suites’ market entry.
