By Brandon Brown – Senior Reporter, Phoenix Business Journal

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal
The first new hotels rooms to come to midtown Phoenix in decades opened earlier this month in the renovated Park Central mixed-use project.
The dual-branded Tru hotel and Home2 Suites by Hilton include 207 rooms in total — with 104 Tru rooms and 103 Home2 Suites.
The five-story hotel site was developed by Plaza Companies, Holualoa Companies and Fayth Hospitality Group. It is located in the renovated Park Central mall and also very close to the Creighton University Health Sciences Campus, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Barrow’s Neurological Institute — making it a new addition to the Phoenix Medical Quarter.
“This property has truly become a mixed-use hub in the center of the city with an emphasis on healthcare, education and public art, and the hotels are a perfect fit for the community’s needs,” Sharon Harper, the chairman and CEO of Plaza Cos., said in a statement.

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal
Being a dual-brand concept, the Tru/Home2 Suites by Hilton has larger communal areas and more amenities than typical standalone properties. The hotel has a complimentary full breakfast buffet, Spin2Cycle fitness, laundry center, rooftop swimming pool, outdoor fire pit and grills, pool table and games in the lobby. There is also flexible meeting space in the hotel.
The hotel developer and operator, Fayth Hospitality, is working with Grand Canyon University to include a hospitality training program at the hotel.
The new hotel will also feature several pieces of public art, which is something Plaza and Holualoa have tried to incorporate through several aspects of the Park Central renovation project.
“It was important to us to create an environment that is welcoming and true to the spirit of what’s happening in Phoenix and the Phoenix Medical Quarter,” Greg Fay, the managing partner of Fayth Hospitality Group, said in a statement. “This artwork will make the experience for those who stay here much richer and engaging.”
The hotel project was constructed by Layton Construction, which created a program with the city of Phoenix and South Mountain Community College to gave students hand-on experience at the Park Central Hotels job site.

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal

Jim Poulin | Phoenix Business Journal