Company History

Magnolia Lodging, LLC originated in its namesake town of Magnolia, Arkansas, in the 1940s by husband-and-wife team Gresham and Sue Shinn. As established hoteliers, the Shinns built and operated hotels throughout Arkansas, gradually expanding their business into Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Beginning in 1982, son G.J. “Jay” Shinn assumed the family business and began owning, developing and managing award-winning hotels under Hilton and Marriott flags.

In 1998, following years of continued growth and a commanding portfolio, Jay formed Magnolia Lodging, LLC with father-and-son business partners Wayne and Matthew Newton. Marked by exceptional service and numerous awards, Magnolia Lodging has emerged an industry leader with successful, competitive hotels.

In 2005, three of Magnolia Lodging’s Homewood Suites by Hilton properties ranked in the top 10 percent of the brand and received special recognition in the Homewood directory. Also in 2005, Magnolia’s Homewood Suites Plano/Richardson was awarded Hotel of the Year by Homewood Suites. The company’s Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Richardson received the 2008 Best Lobby/Public Space Design at the HotelWorld Global Hospitality Awards. Please visit the awards page for a complete list of awards and recognition.

Since its inception, Magnolia Lodging has built, owned and managed Homewood Suites by Hilton, AmeriSuites, Hilton Garden Inn, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, and Hampton Inn properties. Today, the company owns and operates six properties in the greater Dallas area, including the new Home2 Suites by Hilton in Frisco, the first Home2 Suites hotel in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and only the second Home2 Suites hotel in the state of Texas.

 The Magnolia Motel, the first property owned and managed by Gresham and Sue Shinn.