McNeill Hotel Company held official groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel. McNeill is building the all-suite property.

Scheduled to open in spring of 2018, Homewood Suites—Athens will have 130 guestroom suites, including one and two bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and a separate living room area.

Hotel amenities will include free WiFi, online check-in and room selection, guest laundry room, pet friendly, and free grocery shopping service. A complimentary hot breakfast will be served each morning and on Monday through Thursday complimentary evening social gatherings will be offered to the property's guests. 

“When we were approached about developing a hotel as a part of the overall project, we immediately thought the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand would be a perfect fit,” said Mark Ricketts, president and COO of the McNeil Hotel Company. “It provides the city of Athens with an upscale, extended stay product that was currently lacking in the market.”