Former Inn Is Converted into Unique Hotel Experience

Choice Hotels International Inc. has converted the former Brookwood Inn near Duke University in Durham, N.C., into a Cambria hotel & suites property. This $8 million transformation was completed during winter 2016 and the hotel officially became a Cambria hotel & suites on Jan. 11, 2017. The partnership with Concord Hospitality and the Robert Finvarb Companies is a part of the brand’s conversion strategy to bring hotels to market quickly based on strong consumer demand.

Located at 2306 Elba Street, the 146-room Cambria Durham-Duke University Medical Center Area is in the heart of a globally ranked medical campus and a short walk to university buildings, providing convenience for travelers on visits. It is also within close proximity to downtown Durham, which features a thriving food, brewery and arts scene.

“Durham is a city full of southern charm and rich history experiencing tremendous growth, making it an ideal match for the Cambria hotels & suites brand,” says Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, at Choice Hotels. “The Durham property represents another exciting example of Cambria’s expansion into urban markets across the country.”

Like all Cambria hotels, the Durham property features contemporary onsite dining, serving a menu comprised of local specialties, liquor, wine, and local craft beers, as well as freshly prepared grab-and-go gourmet salads and sandwiches and a barista bar.

“We have had great success with this brand, and the Cambria Duke-Durham Medical Center Area will be our fourth Cambria opening, with more Cambria properties in development,” adds Mark Laport, Concord’s president and CEO. “Cambria hotels and suites provides amenities well suited for guests traveling on business and leisure, and we feel that value is augmented by the location advantages of the hotel.”

“We are extremely excited with the opening of our first Cambria and look forward to furthering our relationship with Cambria hotels & suites and Concord as we collaborate to pursue additional opportunities to expand the brand throughout the country,” says Robert Finvarb, CEO of Robert Finvarb Companies.

Cambria hotels & suites are designed to provide a unique and distinctive experience with the services and amenities that travelers demand, including chic décor, flexible spaces for meeting or socializing, stunning standard rooms that feel like an upgrade, and of course, free WiFi, allowing guests to stay fully connected while they travel.