Sat Sep 14 00:36:00 UTC 2024: ## White Lodging Recognized as Top Hospitality Company

**Merrillville-based White Lodging has been named one of the top hospitality companies in the nation by J.D. Power and Associates.** The company, which develops and operates hotels, placed third nationally in guest satisfaction among third-party hotel management companies with over 14,000 rooms under management. This marks the fourth consecutive year White Lodging has ranked in the top five since the benchmark debuted in 2021.

“Our Hospitalitarians work every day to offer a memorable guest experience through exceptional service — and have for nearly 40 years,” said White Lodging CEO Jean-Luc Barone. “This consistent independent recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion they bring to their work and the investments we make in keeping our properties best-in-class.”

White Lodging owns 60 hotels, 50 restaurants, and 10 rooftop bars across the country, focusing on urban markets like Chicago, Indianapolis, Louisville, and Denver. They operate upscale lifestyle hotels under brands like Marriott, IHG, Hyatt, and Hilton.

J.D. Power’s survey of over 4,900 hotel visitors found that guest satisfaction with branded hotels managed by the country’s largest third-party management companies has significantly improved this year. They outperformed both chain-managed and independently operated hotels.

“What is most noteworthy is that the largest third-party hotel operators are delivering an improved level of staff service even as higher room rates are pushing guest expectations higher,” noted Andrea Stokes, J.D. Power hospitality practice lead.

**This recognition comes as Northwest Indiana sees a boom in new businesses opening their doors in 2023.** The region has welcomed a diverse range of new businesses, including:

* **Highland’s first tattoo parlor**, opened by veteran Tina Brenda.
* **Lakeside Kitchen** at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa, featuring robot servers.
* **Coppolillo’s Italian Restaurant** and **Windy City Social** planned to open soon in Crown Point and Munster, respectively.
* **A casual fine dining restaurant** reviving the Bistro 54 space in Hobart.
* **Fiori/True BBQ** serving traditional Italian cuisine with top-shelf ingredients.
* **Twin Peaks** restaurant near the Crossroads of the Nation intersection in Schererville.
* **Journeyman Distillery’s** $40 million The American Factory campus in Valparaiso.
* **Macy’s** department store chain opening a new Region location.
* **PetSmart** opening a new store in Valparaiso.
* **The Press Bookstore and Coffee Shop**, the first independent new bookstore in Northwest Indiana in years.
* **The Class UFC Gym** in Winfield.
* **A new rage room** offering cathartic smashing.
* **Rolling Embers** marijuana dispensary and consumption lounge in New Buffalo, Michigan.
* **A Chicago furniture and home decor store** featured on HGTV opening a second location in Munster.
* **J’s Breakfast Club** serving as a model for franchises.
* **A new Nashville hot chicken joint** opening in Schererville.
* **Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill** opening at Shops on Main in Schererville.
* **3 Floyds** craft brewery planning to reopen its taproom in 2024.

**This surge in new businesses signifies a bright future for Northwest Indiana, with a diverse range of options for residents and visitors alike.**

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