WICHITA, KS— Extended-stay hotels have become more popular with travelers throughout the country in the past few years, but as reported in GlobeSt.com, officials connected to Value Place, the largest brand in the industry, recently started another chain called WaterWalk Hotel Apartments, and are developing a new business model that provides traditional hotel services to apartment dwellers.

The new company opened its first site last year in its hometown of Wichita, and so far things are looking good. Rates neared full occupancy for the months of May and June, company officials say. Without discounting room rates, June's occupancy was 98% with an average rate equal to upscale extended-stay hotels.

“With numbers reaching full occupancy in just seven months from our official grand opening event in November, it's evident that our hybrid hotel and apartment business model is a proven concept and an unmatched opportunity for franchisees and investors,” says David Redfern, president of WaterWalk Hotel Apartments. “I'm confident that our occupancy in Wichita will continue strong due to execution of our sales and marketing plan and national awareness that will only continue to propel our brand forward in the coming months.”