During one of the most challenging times ever for the hospitality industry, the state’s first Canopy by Hilton-branded hotel is set to open June 16 in downtown Tempe.

Article originally posted here.

Going by the name Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown, the new hotel boasts 198 guest rooms across 14 floors and 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. It is on the corner of University Drive and Myrtle Avenue and is the first Canopy by Hilton-branded hotel west of Texas in the U.S.

Canopy by Hilton is one newer brand being developed by Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT). Canopy by Hilton locations are designed to have a local feel and be attractive to younger travelers. The brand has 20 locations around the globe and more than 40 under development across 14 countries and territories.

The Tempe hotel was developed by Coral Gables, Florida-based Driftwood Capital for a cost of $60 million. It was designed by Scottsdale-based Allen + Philp and features a number of art pieces by Arizona artists, including John Randall Nelson, Keanen Kasten and Issac Caruso.

“Bringing our vision to life has been a collaborative effort between our local design firm, local featured artists and team of longtime hospitality professionals who have created a destination that truly embraces the fabric of the neighborhood,” said Alan Klein, the property’s general manager, in a statement. “We hope to become a vibrant gathering space that embodies the innovation present in the exciting evolution of downtown Tempe.”

As the hotel starts to welcome guests next week, it will use Hilton’s enhanced cleaning and sanitizing procedures, which includes a partnership with Lysol

Once fully open, the Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown hotel will include two new restaurants, Alter Ego and Alibi. Alter Ego is the all-day hotel restaurant, and Alibi is the full-service rooftop bar located alongside the hotel’s pool on the 14th floor.

Because of the pandemic, both food and beverage outlets will operate on a limited capacity at least through the summer. The pool area will be open, along with its cabanas and will have limited food and beverage service from Alter Ego.