Home furnishings chain adds new hotel location

West Elm is expanding its hotel portfolio — even before it opens its first location.



The retailer, a division of Williams-Sonoma, announced Portland, Maine as the newest location for its West Elm Hotels collection. Expected to open in 2020, the 150 room, full-service boutique hotel will be developed on Portland’s waterfront by Portland Foreside Development Company LLC, and operated by hotel development and management company DDK, which is West Elm Hotels’ exclusive operator.



"Portland has experienced a renaissance within the past decade, creating a distinct and modern vibe, while honoring its maritime history,” said Peter Fowler, VP of West Elm Hospitality. “Our collaboration with Portland Foreside Development Company brings forth local knowledge and expertise that will deliver an original experience for guests, as well as the surrounding seaside community."



• West Elm said it will utilize its retail and marketing expertise to design a "unique hospitality experience that pays homage to the coastal city’s rich history and burgeoning waterfront community." The property will be located in Portland Foreside, a new neighborhood development in the area formerly known as the Portland Company Complex.



• The development is positioned to become the city’s premier destination for locals and tourists to appreciate Portland’s history, engage in the harbor’s many activities, celebrate special events, and enjoy retail, dining and entertainment offerings. Retail spaces will be curated in the historic core of the development and next to the hotel



West Elm is scheduled to unveil its hotel concept in Detroit, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Oakland and Savannah, beginning in early 2019. Each West Elm Hotel, including the Portland location, will feature local design elements that celebrate the community and reflect traditional décor, handicraft, cuisine and culture from the region.



West Elm operates 101 retail stores in the United States, Australia, Canada and the U.K., ships internationally to customers around the world and operates stores in Mexico, the Middle East, Philippines and South Korea through unaffiliated franchisees.