NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — A new SpringHill Suites hotel is set to rise along I-35 Northbound and the Guadalupe River, promising to enhance the already bustling area of New Braunfels. The hotel is expected to positively impact the city’s economy, according to local officials.
“Hospitality has a $1.3 billion economic impact on the city, and this is only going to continue to elevate that,” said Tanya Pence, president of the city’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
She emphasized that the most significant benefit of the new hotel will be job creation.
“The hospitality industry currently is responsible for about a third of the jobs here in New Braunfels. So this is just going to add to that,” Pence said.
As New Braunfels shifts towards a more consistent year-round visitor base, the addition of the hotel is anticipated to increase foot traffic for smaller businesses. Holly Billings, owner of Hidden Gem Day Spa, expressed optimism about the development.
“It’s going to be great for our growth…the more businesses we get down here, the more ability that we’re going to have. You’re going to see more people wanting to walk around,” Billings said.
The new SpringHill Suites will feature eight stories and 150 suites, offering visitors a stay by the Guadalupe River. Billings noted the potential benefits for existing and new businesses alike.
“With some of the hotels, or some of the potential retail that could be coming up, could be really good opportunity for everyone in between, to the ones that have already been here,” she said.
Pence added that the hotel will attract business travelers during the week, which is beneficial for all local businesses.
“Business travelers travel during the week, and we really love to see that weekday business. And that helps all businesses around here, big and small,” Pence said.
The hotel is scheduled for completion by 2026.