Horizon naturally conducted an extensive feasibility study before deciding on the Woodlands acreage. The plan is to construct a 127-room Hilton Garden Inn Hotel. Construction begins in November, with a grand opening tentatively set for November 2003.

Taufiq Valiani, Horizon Hotels' president, tells GlobeSt.com that many factors went into the location decision, including the fact that there are no other Hiltons in the immediate area. Equally important are the relocations of Anadarko and Chevron Phillips, moves that ensure business travel when that segment of the hospitality business returns. Valiani optimistically estimates 70% of the new hotel's business will come from business travel and the balance from leisure and convention travel.

Valiani strongly believes in the Woodlands Operating Co.'s vision to mold the community into a destination spot. The hotel land is positioned right across the street from Woodlands Mall. It's also close to the new convention center, the Woodlands Waterway transit system and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, the development's entertainment venue.

Greg Jordan, Woodlands' director of sales and leasing, represented the Woodlands in the sale. Valiani handled his side of the negotiations. Horizon Hotels also owns two Hampton Inns along Texas 290.