Dual-branded hotel planned for 2026 opening in prime location near new Universal Epic Universe theme park, other popular local attractions.

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) broke ground on a new dual-branded EVEN Hotels and Staybridge Suites property in Orlando, Fla. in collaboration with owner Daiwa House Group.

Scheduled to open in 2026, EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd. will occupy a prominent position near the forthcoming Universal Epic Universe theme park and Orange County Convention Center, and welcome business and leisure guests visiting one of the most highly traveled U.S. cities.

With a combined 288 guest rooms, the hotel will align the familiar hallmarks of each brand, such as the upscale residential-style studios and suites of Staybridge Suites and signature sleep experience and wellness-supporting amenities of EVEN Hotels.

Guests can stay productive and prepare for conventions in the hotel’s more than 4,000 square feet of meeting space before unwinding in its ample public areas and lobbies, outdoor pool or EVEN athletic studio. The property will have a range of indulgent, fresh and nutritious food and beverage options for its respective guests, including the EVEN Kitchen & Bar restaurant and The Staybridge Suites Social complimentary happy hour events.

Beyond its adjacency to Epic Universe, the property will offer proximity to many of the city’s other world-famous theme parks and a host of entertainment, dining and retail outposts.

Jolyon Bulley, Chief Executive Officer, Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Much like Orlando itself, EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd. will offer something for everyone. Theme park fans and business leaders alike can recharge within comfortable and modern accommodations and enjoy all that Orlando has to offer. Daiwa House Group already has established a proven reputation for introducing must-visit hotels throughout Japan, and we look forward to working together to expand our presence in the growing, highly attractive Orlando market.”

The groundbreaking of EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd. is the latest step in an agreement between IHG and Daiwa House Group to expand the Japanese real estate investor and developer’s U.S. portfolio. Daiwa House Group opened Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora – the brand’s first hotel in Japan – in January 2020, and recently signed a letter of intent to develop three additional projects in its home nation.

IHG and Daiwa House Group will bring the development to life in collaboration with AC Hotel Developers and architect Baskervill.

Keisuke Shimonishi, Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer at Daiwa House Group, said: “As one of the most visited tourist destinations in the U.S. and a market rich in development and investment, we cannot think of a better location than Orlando to extend our working relationship with IHG and introduce an exciting new dual-branded property. We are fully confident that EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd will become a must-visit destination for those coming to the city for work, play or relaxation.”

The project is the latest addition to IHG’s expanding presence in the area. In August 2024, IHG announced the inclusion of a Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants property in an emerging Westcourt mixed-use sports and entertainment development near the Kia Center arena. A new InterContinental Hotels & Resorts luxury hotel also is slated to open along Orlando’s renowned International Drive in 2028.