Sioux Falls, SD-based KAJ Hospitality has signed two separate agreements to acquire five hotels in southern Sioux Falls. While the company has been based in Sioux Falls since 2004, this marks the first properties owned and managed by KAJ in the market. The KAJ corporate office in Sioux Falls is within blocks of all five properties.
“Sioux Falls is not only our hometown, but it’s a thriving city that we have been eyeing for years,” said Aaron Johnson, chief visionary, KAJ. “This acquisition allows us to expand our footprint into a new market and create memorable stays for even more guests.”
The five new properties for KAJ are:
- Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls South: a full-service hotel offering 103 guestrooms; a restaurant and lounge; and 4,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space with full-service catering.
- Courtyard by Marriott Sioux Falls: a select-service hotel with 102 guestrooms; a lobby bistro restaurant and bar; and four individual meeting rooms.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Sioux Falls: an all-suites hotel featuring 84 studio suites with sofa sleepers, complimentary breakfast and one meeting room.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Sioux Falls: a hotel with 66 apartment-like suites with a fully equipped kitchen, living area and complimentary breakfast.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Sioux Falls: offering 60 guestrooms and complimentary breakfast.
Along with these tailored amenities, each property has an indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center. The four Marriott properties represent all the hotels located on the Empire Mall campus.
All four members of the KAJ leadership team under Johnson—Sara Lussman, VP, operations; Bryan Ahlers, corporate director, revenue management; McKenzie Schelhaas-Hettich, corporate director, human resources; and Diane Hanisch, corporate director, finance—have served as general managers of properties in the Sioux Falls market, including some of the properties being acquired. Additionally, each member of the local support team has also served in varying roles at local properties.
“I’m confident our leadership and support team will work with these new hotels to take the exceptional guest service they have become known for and elevate it to the next level,” said Johnson. “At KAJ, our mantra is to be Here for People, and we take that to heart with both our team members and guests. That is what has propelled KAJ to be the successful company we are today.”