WASILLA, AK — Construction is officially underway on a new Home2 Suites by Hilton in Wasilla, marking a major step forward for the city’s hospitality options and its ambition to become a tourism and business hub for the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

Members of the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce gathered in June to celebrate the groundbreaking for the extended-stay hotel, which is being built on East Tysons Trail in the Shoppes at Sun Mountain complex, near Planet Fitness. Contractor H5 Construction expects the project to wrap up by late summer 2026.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough, home to over 100,000 people, currently has few national hotel brands. Aside from the recently remodeled Best Western Lake Lucille Inn, the area relies mostly on independent motels, lodges, and bed-and-breakfasts. Local leaders hope the Hilton project will help fill that gap and attract more visitors year-round.

“Bringing Hilton to Wasilla signals to visitors and businesses alike that our city is ready to welcome and serve the world. We’re proud to support the partners who made this possible and are excited for what this means for the Valley,” said Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce CEO Jessica Viera. “Today’s groundbreaking is more than just the start of construction—it’s the next step in shaping Wasilla’s future as a hub for commerce, tourism, and community.”

The four-story, 107-room hotel will cater to extended-stay guests with amenities including kitchenettes in every suite, a conference room, fitness center, an in-hotel market, plus a pool and jacuzzi — a first for area hotels. Many Home2 Suites locations are pet-friendly, adding another draw for travelers.

“Bringing a major brand hotel to the Mat-Su Valley has been a dream of mine since 2015, and breaking ground on Home2 Suites by Hilton is a huge milestone for our community,” said Cameron Johnson, co-owner of H5 Construction, the contractor behind the project.

H5 Project Manager Cole Danielson confirmed the 70,000-square-foot hotel will create significant local work opportunities as construction ramps up. Underground plumbing is already underway. “More than 100 people, including H5 Construction employees and subcontractors, will be working on the project over the next several months,” Danielson said.

Local business leaders see the new hotel as more than just another place to stay — it’s a signal that Wasilla is ready to compete for larger events, business travelers, and tourists exploring the Mat-Su Valley. The hotel’s conference room and modern amenities will help attract meetings and small conventions that previously bypassed the city for Anchorage.

Community leaders hope the project will inspire more national brands to expand into the Valley, supporting restaurants, retail, and service jobs. The hotel’s construction is also a welcome boost for local trades and suppliers, with many area subcontractors expected to stay busy on the project through its 2026 opening.

When complete, the new Hilton Home2 Suites is expected to be a year-round draw for families, outdoor recreation tourists, and professionals traveling for regional work. Combined with Wasilla’s growing shopping and dining options, the new hotel is part of a larger push to strengthen the city’s position as a key economic center for the Mat-Su Borough and beyond.

Originally reported by Rindi White in Alaska Business.