The Exponent Telegram

By Jim Fisher, Metro Editor

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

BRIDGEPORT – The all-suite, upscale hotel Hawthorn Suites will be joining Microtel and Wingate Inn at the Charles Pointe planned community in Bridgeport.

Charles Pointe developer Genesis Partners announced the new $7 million project Tuesday.

Hawthorn Suites is owned by U.S, Franchise Systems, the same company that owns Microtel.

The new hotel is planned to have 87 studio and one-bedroom suites with kitchens and separate living, working and sleeping areas.

More than 100 Hawthorn Suites across the country cater to business clients and offer numerous value-added comforts for business and leisure travelers.

"U.S. Franchise Systems and Hawthorn Suites are proud to be working with Genesis Partners and their exciting development at Charles Pointe," said Roy E. Flora, executive vice president and chief operating officer, in an e-mailed statement. "Hawthorn Suites will not only complement the overall development, but provide much-needed all suites lodging accommodations as more companies and technology centers settle in this part of the state."

This will be the first Hawthorn Suites in West Virginia. Construction is expected to begin sometime next year.

Jamie Corton, managing partner for Genesis Partners, noted that the all-suite template is becoming more popular across the country as more and more business people make extended stays away from home.

The hotel will be managed by CP Hospitality, the division of Genesis Partners that also manages the Bridgeport Conference Center. It will be built adjacent to that facility.

"Things are progressing rapidly at Charles Pointe," Corton said in a prepared statement. "We’re staying true to our vision of creating a progressive master planned community that supports traditional West Virginia values. Hawthorn Suites is an excellent addition to Charles Pointe and will support the lifestyle that we’re creating for our residents and visitors."