Proposed Extended-Stay Hotels Set to Transform Ellenton Premium Outlets Parking Lot

Gulf Coast Factory Shops Limited Partnership has submitted a development plan that could see two new extended-stay hotels built on the parking lot of Ellenton Premium Outlets in Ellenton, Florida. Under the proposal, a 124-room Hilton LivSmart Studios hotel and a 122-room WoodSpring Suites hotel would replace more than 400 of the current 2,400-plus parking spaces on the 68-acre site.

The plan designates the Hilton LivSmart Studios hotel to be constructed in the parking area just south of the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, while the WoodSpring Suites hotel is proposed for the lot east of the ice rink near 29th Street E. Both structures will be no taller than four stories, ensuring they blend with the surrounding area.

Hilton LivSmart Studios, introduced earlier this year, is designed to cater to guests staying 20 nights or more by combining elements of studio apartments with extended-stay features. The hotel has kitchen amenities, including a full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and stovetop. Meanwhile, WoodSpring Suites—a brand known for its affordable extended-stay accommodations—offers in-room kitchens, complimentary WiFi, and around-the-clock access to guest laundry facilities, with a nationwide network exceeding 200 locations.

The proposed project, which awaits a public hearing from Manatee County Development Services, is part of a broader strategy to enhance the area’s lodging options and support local economic growth. If approved, the new hotels would provide additional convenience for long-term visitors and alter the parking dynamics at the popular outlet mall, as hundreds of spaces would be repurposed for hotel use.

Local officials and community members will soon have an opportunity to weigh in on the plan, which reflects ongoing efforts to capitalize on emerging market trends and accommodate the growing demand for extended-stay lodging in the region.