"There is a flight to quality because of the economy, and right now you really have to know what you're doing versus a couple of years ago when there was business for everybody," Cutshall tells GlobeSt.com. "Now there is a real differentiation. The goal of our efforts at any of our properties is to exceed the expectations of guests, associates and ownership groups."

The Candlewood Suites-Macon is an extended stay hotel featuring primarily studio and one-bedroom rooms with fully equipped kitchens and large work spaces. Amenities include a laundry facility, exercise room, outdoor pool, wireless high-speed Internet, business center and meeting space. Rates at the Macon hotel range from $89 to $98 per night.

Hotel Equities' portfolio is located primarily in the Southeast, but will expand into the Midwest over the next year and eventually will look to add properties in the Northeast, says Cutshall. "We've had 100% growth over the last two years and we're forecasting 40% to 50% growth this year," she says. The company began managing its first Midwest property last month with the Hilton Garden Inn at 3401 Plaza Court in Elkhart, IN.