Hilton Launches LivSmart Studios Pensacola I-10 North Davis Highway to Expand Florida Long-Stay Portfolio

[Pensacola, July 28, 2026] — Hilton has officially broadened its presence in the long-term hospitality sector with the debut of LivSmart Studios by Hilton Pensacola I-10 North Davis Highway. This new property, located at 7077 Plantation Road, marks the fourth addition to the LivSmart Studios collection and signals a strategic push by the hotel giant to capture the growing demand for flexible, residential-style accommodations on Florida's Gulf Coast.

The property is specifically engineered for guests requiring stays of 10 nights or more, bridging the gap between traditional hotel rooms and permanent residential rentals. By blending the reliability of the Hilton brand with the autonomy of apartment living, the hotel targets a diverse demographic including corporate relocations, military personnel, healthcare professionals, and long-term leisure travelers.

Residential Features at LivSmart Studios Pensacola I-10 North Davis Highway

Unlike standard hotel rooms, the Pensacola property focuses on "living" rather than just "staying." The studio units are designed as fully functional apartments, ensuring that guests can maintain their personal daily routines without the disruption typically associated with hotel living.

Central to this design is the inclusion of comprehensive in-room kitchen facilities. Every studio is equipped with a full-size refrigerator, a stovetop, and a microwave. These additions allow guests to prepare their own meals, a critical requirement for those spending weeks or months away from home.

To further support a seamless long-term experience, the hotel provides a suite of essential amenities:

Amenity	Description
Dining	Complimentary breakfast for all guests
Connectivity	Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property
Parking	Complimentary parking and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations
Wellness	On-site fitness center
Utility	Guest laundry facilities
Accessibility	Pet-friendly accommodation options

Strategic Logistics and Regional Demand in Pensacola

The selection of 7077 Plantation Road is a calculated move to place the hotel at the intersection of major transit and economic hubs. Positioned with immediate access to Interstate 10 and Interstate 110, the property serves as a logistics base for visitors heading to several high-traffic Pensacola destinations.

Key proximity points include:

• Naval Air Station Pensacola: Providing essential housing for military personnel and contractors.
• University of West Florida: Supporting visiting academics and students.
• Pensacola International Airport: Offering a convenient landing spot for relocating professionals.
• Healthcare Facilities: Catering to traveling nurses and medical consultants.
• Downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach: Attracting long-term vacationers and remote workers.

This diverse economic base ensures that the hotel maintains steady occupancy throughout the year, regardless of the seasonal fluctuations typical of Florida's tourism industry.

National Expansion and the 3H Group Partnership

The opening in Pensacola is part of a larger, aggressive rollout of the LivSmart brand across the United States. This specific property is the second collaboration between the 3H Group, which owns the asset, and LBA Hospitality, which manages the operations. This partnership previously resulted in the launch of LivSmart Studios Tullahoma in 2025, which served as the brand's inaugural operating site.

Industry reports indicate that the partnership is not stopping in Florida; plans are already underway for a future LivSmart Studios location in Huntsville, Alabama. This expansion reflects a broader shift in the hospitality industry, where investors are pivoting toward "mid-tier" extended stays that offer more value than luxury apartments but more comfort than budget motels.

Beau Benton, President of LBA Hospitality, has emphasized that the Pensacola market is uniquely suited for this model due to the constant influx of military, educational, and corporate travelers who require predictable pricing and residential stability.

Operational Leadership and Guest Experience

The property is currently under the leadership of General Manager Cody Beck, with Shayla Fisher serving as the Dual Sales Manager for the Pensacola and Mobile markets. The management team is tasked with transitioning the hotel from a mere lodging facility to a community-oriented home base.

According to Beck, the objective is to provide a practical environment where guests feel a sense of belonging. By integrating shared spaces and personalized service, the hotel aims to reduce the isolation often felt by long-term travelers and create a stronger bond between the guest and the local Pensacola community.

Why This Matters for the Modern Traveler

For the traveler, the rise of the LivSmart model represents a significant shift in the "digital nomad" and "corporate relocation" experience. Traditionally, long-term travelers had to choose between the sterility of a hotel (with no kitchen) or the risk of an unregulated short-term rental (with no brand guarantee).

From a logistical standpoint, this new model provides a "safe middle ground." The ability to have a full-size refrigerator and stovetop while maintaining a Hilton Honors membership means guests get the legal and quality protections of a global corporation without sacrificing the comforts of home. For those in the medical or military sectors, where assignments can be unpredictable, this flexibility reduces the stress of finding temporary housing.

A new era of flexible lodging is arriving on the Gulf Coast, redefining the boundary between a hotel stay and a home.

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