A local hotel has earned national recognition less than a year after opening its doors.
- The Holiday Inn Express & Suites at Freedom Tech Center has been named a recipient of the 2025 IHG Newcomer Award, placing it among just 15 newly opened hotels recognized nationwide out of thousands of IHG Hotels & Resorts properties across the country.
The 115-room hotel opened Sept. 12, 2024, and has since maintained a 4.9-star rating on Google. Guest reviews frequently highlight the hotel’s staff, cleanliness and attention to detail, with comments referencing “exceptionally kind staff,” “spotless rooms” and a “top-notch breakfast experience.”
The Newcomer Award recognizes newly opened properties that achieve exceptional guest satisfaction scores, operational excellence and strong overall performance within their first year.
The hotel was developed and is owned by The Jay Odom Group, a Northwest Florida based real estate development firm with more than 30 years of experience. The company also launched its own hospitality management company, Odom Hotelz, to operate the property.
- “This award is a reflection of our people and the culture we are building,” said Tania Koehler, executive vice president of hotel operations for Odom Hotelz. “We created Odom Hotelz with the belief that when you truly take care of your team, they take exceptional care of your guests. Our staff shows up every day with that mindset, and guests feel it in the smallest details. That is what this recognition represents.”
Odom Hotelz operates on a philosophy rooted in omotenashi, a Japanese concept of hospitality centered on anticipating needs and delivering thoughtful service without expectation.
The property features a modern, aviation-inspired design that honors the region’s strong ties to Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field. Custom-designed elements such as the Pilot’s Lounge and the Flight Deck Boardroom distinguish the hotel from traditional Holiday Inn Express properties, offering elevated spaces for both business and leisure travelers.
Additional amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, fitness center, business facilities and a manager’s reception offered up to twice weekly with complimentary drinks and snacks. The hotel is located approximately nine minutes from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport and about 20 minutes from public beach access along Florida’s Emerald Coast.
The hotel sits within Freedom Tech Center, a 52-acre mixed-use development built on a long-term ground lease with the U.S. Air Force. A portion of revenue generated within the development supports Eglin Air Force Base’s mission.
Beyond serving military and government travelers, the hotel attracts leisure visitors, sports teams and event attendees seeking convenient access to beaches, athletic facilities and community events throughout Okaloosa County.
For more information or to book a stay, visit here.
