I love walking a property right after a big renovation wraps. You can feel the energy shift. Guests notice it in the lobby as they check in, the team takes pride in every interaction, and the numbers begin to reflect the work that went into the transformation. That is exactly what we are experiencing at the Holiday Inn Express on Hilton Head Island. You can read more about our other hotel investment projects on our site.
Holiday Inn Express Hilton Head: The Renovation Story
We acquired the hotel in September 2022 with a clear plan to unlock value through a comprehensive renovation. As part of IHG’s property improvement requirements, we rebuilt the arrival and lobby experience, consolidated the separate lobby building into the main structure, refreshed every guest room, and added amenities that matter to travelers. The project was not simple. Permits on the island can take time, the broader construction environment brought supply chain hiccups, and working around seasonality required careful planning. Even so, the team delivered.
Today the arrival experience is warm and efficient with a covered porte cochere, a bright check-in area, and a modern breakfast level right above the lobby. The fitness center is fully redone. The pool deck has new finishes and furniture. We also increased room count to 153 keys, including a family suite that has become a favorite for weekend getaways. These are the kinds of upgrades that show up in reviews and repeat bookings, which is why we lean into them.
If you know Hilton Head, you know the setting does a lot of heavy lifting. Our hotel sits near the beach, restaurants, and a beautiful public park, yet the site feels tucked away thanks to mature trees and natural buffers. It has that relaxed island feel guests want when they come for a golf trip, a family vacation, or a quick escape. Location plus a refreshed product is a strong combination.
Holiday Inn Express Hilton Head: What’s Next
Renovation completion is a milestone, but hospitality success depends on what happens next. In April 2025 we put down the hammers and shifted focus to guest experience details. We updated our listings and photography across the booking platforms, scrubbed legacy construction comments, and encouraged happy guests to share their experience. Momentum followed. July and August were among our best revenue months since acquisition, and guest satisfaction scores through IHG reached new highs this fall. That feedback loop matters. Better photos and reviews drive better placement on travel sites, which drive more trial stays, which become more positive reviews.
Hilton Head has a defined calendar. Peak demand typically runs from March into September, with softer months through late fall and winter. During the renovation, island visitation also softened, including a noticeable dip from Canadian golfers who are an important segment. Local tourism partners have leaned into targeted outreach to bring that traffic back, and we are seeing encouraging signs in recent booking patterns. Pair that with a fully renovated property and friendly rates relative to comparable options, and we like our setup for the 2026 season.
Our focus now is on strong operations and consistent performance. We prioritize the basics: clean and quiet rooms, friendly and efficient service, an easy breakfast experience, and thoughtful revenue management that balances occupancy and rate. We review pacing, channel mix, and marketing with our management team regularly, investing where we can measure results and pulling back where we can’t. That day-to-day execution is what ultimately drives guest satisfaction and long-term value.
From a real estate perspective, the work we completed is designed to support value for years to come. The hotel recently went through a bank-led appraisal during a refinance process, and the as-is valuation came in at 28.5 million. While markets can move, completing a major property improvement plan and stabilizing operations typically enhance a buyer’s view of long-term performance. Our job now is to keep building the track record that supports that view.
If you are ever in the area, we’d love for you to stay at the Holiday Inn Express Hilton Head. Experience the new lobby, enjoy breakfast overlooking the pool, and see firsthand how the updates have elevated the guest experience. It’s a great way to appreciate the property and the market we’re so excited about. We are currently raising capital through a promissory note tied to this asset. If the hotel, the market, and our approach resonate with you, our team can share more details and answer any questions you may have so you can make an informed decision.