Michigan-based LodgCo Hospitality has assumed management of the Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh Arena, marking the company’s first entry into North Carolina’s hospitality market.
The 82-room hotel sits directly opposite Lenovo Center, home to the Carolina Hurricanes and NC State University basketball, in Raleigh’s entertainment and business district. The property is owned by Beyond Hospitality, led by Minesh Patel.
The property offers an outdoor pool, fitness centre, meeting space and an on-site restaurant and bar. Its location places it within walking distance of the arena and minutes from North Carolina State University’s campus.
Scott Stuart, president of LodgCo Hospitality, said the hotel is positioned to serve both leisure and business travellers. The company aims to build on the property’s foundation whilst driving performance through operational excellence.
LodgCo operates hotels under major brands including Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt. Stuart joined as president in August 2024, bringing 37 years of hospitality experience from his previous role as senior vice president at Aimbridge Hospitality, where he oversaw 275 hotels.
Beyond Hospitality selected LodgCo based on the management company’s track record in maximising asset value. Minesh Patel said the partnership brings expertise that aligns with his vision for the property.
The timing positions LodgCo to benefit from major developments around Lenovo Center. The venue is undergoing a $300 million renovation starting in 2025, part of a broader $1 billion transformation of the surrounding 80 acres into an entertainment district.
Phase one of the district development includes 200,000 square feet of entertainment and lifestyle retail, 150,000 square feet of office space, a 150-room hotel and more than 500 apartments. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2025, with phase one completion projected by 2027.
The arena contributes $260 million annually to Wake County’s economy and hosts more than 150 events yearly, attracting over 1.5 million guests. The Carolina Hurricanes have committed to remain at the venue through 2043.
This expansion reflects broader industry trends. Nearly half of branded hotels globally are now managed by third parties, according to JLL research. Hotel brands increasingly turn to specialist operators to reduce risk and lower corporate expenses whilst maintaining service standards.
The third-party management sector remains fragmented, with the largest companies controlling less than 3% of inventory. Industry analysts expect continued consolidation through mergers and acquisitions.
LodgCo’s people-first approach and Michigan base positions the company for growth in the Southeast. The Raleigh market offers particularly strong fundamentals given the Research Triangle’s academic institutions, major employers and growing population.
For hotel owners, third-party operators offer access to established systems, regional expertise and purchasing power that would be difficult to replicate independently. The model has gained traction especially among select-service properties where operational efficiency directly impacts profitability.
The Four Points brand appeals to business and leisure travellers seeking reliable amenities at mid-market pricing. The brand’s Best Brews programme, featuring rotating local breweries, adds local character without requiring extensive on-site F&B operations.
LodgCo’s expansion into North Carolina demonstrates the company’s strategy of targeting properties near major event venues and university campuses. These locations generate consistent demand across business, leisure and group segments.
The announcement comes as the US hotel industry faces occupancy levels still below pre-pandemic peaks despite strong rate growth. Operators are seeking competitive advantages through location, service quality and operational expertise rather than price competition alone.
