APA Group has entered a partnership with Friendwell Group of Companies to introduce the US-based APA Hotel Franchise.
The new franchise has opened its first US property, the 200-room APA Hotel Woodbridge, at Metropark, New Jersey.
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APA Group founder Toshio Motoya said: "APA set the trend in Asia and Japan for the creation of new urban-style hotels with core values steeped in high-quality, high-functionality and environment-friendly amenities.
"Our amenities that are usually found in five-star hotels offer excellent value at APA Hotel’s three and four-star properties."
Formerly known as the Hilton Woodbridge Hotel, the APA Hotel Woodbridge will now undergo a multi-phased renovation and redesign of all guest rooms, suites, and public areas.
This will include the lobby, 30,000f² of conference facilities, a new signature Japanese restaurant, and a full-service bar.
Work on the public areas is expected to be completed by mid-2016, while the guest rooms are scheduled to be renovated by early 2017.
Friendwell chairman Tsun-Jen Cheng said: "While the APA organization will introduce its Japanese culture and high-level service to the US market, Friendwell’s diverse group of US hotels have achieved great success in blending Asian and American cultural touchpoints, which creates a perfect synergy for our new US partnership."
APA Hotel currently operates 347 properties. Friendwell owns and manages retail space, office buildings, and US hotels with more than 3,000 rooms in total.
