Document:

EX-10.17

 Exhibit 10.17 
 EXECUTION COPY 
 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as this “Agreement” or the “Employment
Agreement”) is made and entered into as of March 26, 2012 (the “Signing Date”) between HVM L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), and Thomas Seddon (the
“Employee”) for services to be provided beginning on April 16, 2012 (the “Effective Date”). 
 WHEREAS, the Company wishes to employ the Employee, and Employee wishes to accept such employment, and the parties wish to enter into this new Agreement to set forth the terms of such employment;

 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and representations contained herein, the parties hereto agree as
follows: 
  

	1.	Employment Period. 

 The
Company will employ the Employee, and the Employee will serve the Company, under the terms of this Agreement for an initial term of two (2) years commencing on the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). Such term shall be
automatically extended thereafter for subsequent terms of one year (a “Renewal Term”), unless the Company provides written notice to the Employee at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the term of its intent not to renew the
term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employee’s employment hereunder may be earlier terminated in accordance with Section 4 below. The period of time between the commencement and the termination of the Employee’s employment
(including the expiration of this Agreement) hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Period.” 
  

	2.	Duties and Status. 

 A.
Position. The Company hereby engages the Employee as its Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer (“CMO”) on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. During the Employment Period, the Employee shall have
such authority and responsibility and perform such duties as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (“CEO”) shall direct, from time to time, in the CEO’s sole discretion, consistent with the CMO’s position and title,
which shall include direction of the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Vice President, Sales and Executive Vice President, Revenue Management and supervision of guest relations and brand management. During the Employment Period, the
Employee shall report directly to the CEO. The Employee agrees to devote substantially all of his business time, efforts and skills to the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. 

B. Standard of Care. The Employee agrees to carry out his duties hereunder in a reasonable, diligent, prudent and professional
manner consistent with his fiduciary duties as an officer of the Company. 

	3.	Compensation and Benefits. 

A. Salary. During the Employment Period, the Company shall pay to the Employee, as compensation for the performance of his duties
and obligations under this Agreement, a base salary at the rate of $500,000 per annum (the “Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the Company; provided however, that for 2012, Employee will
receive a pro-rated portion based upon the Effective Date. The Base Salary shall be reviewed annually by the Company in accordance with Company policies. 
 B. Bonus. During the Employment Period, the Employee shall receive an annual target bonus of $500,000 (the “Target Bonus”) which may be adjusted based on the Company’s
performance and other key performance indicators as determined by the individuals who are the indirect equity owners of the manager of the Company (the “Manager Representatives”) prior to year-end to an amount between 50% and 200%
of the Target Bonus (the “Bonus”). The Manager Representatives (or such similar successor group), taking into account the input of the CEO, will determine the actual performance, the amount of the Bonus, and will pay such Bonus prior to
March 15th of the following year. The payment of any Bonus is expressly conditioned upon Employee’s active status as CMO on the date any such Bonus is payable, unless otherwise provided in Section 5. Employee shall not participate in
any other bonus plan offered to other employees. With respect to 2012, Employee shall receive a pro-rated Bonus based upon a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days from the Effective Date through December 31, 2012 and the
denominator of which is 365. 
 C. Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Employee shall be entitled to participate
in all of the employee benefit plans of the Company in effect during the Employment Period which are generally available to similarly situated employees of the Company, subject to and on a basis consistent with, the terms, conditions and overall
administration of such plans. 
 D. Business Expenses. During the Employment Period, the Company shall promptly reimburse
the Employee for all appropriately documented, reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by the Employee in the performance of his duties under this Agreement in accordance with Company policies. 

E. Travel Expenses. 
 (i) The Company shall reimburse Employee for reasonable, and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with (a) the Employee and the Employee’s wife’s travel to Charlotte,
North Carolina prior to the Effective Date; and (b) the Employee and the Employee’s wife’s and children’s travel to Charlotte, North Carolina prior to the Effective Date, during which time, the Company shall provide assistance in
terms of house-hunting and other matters relating to Employee’s relocation; provided, however, that the Company shall not be responsible for any moving expenses incurred in connection with the Employee’s relocation to Charlotte, North
Carolina. 
 (ii) Following the Effective Date, the Company shall reimburse the Employee for reasonable, and
documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with up to three trips for himself to Charlotte, North Carolina, in each case, prior to Employee’s relocation to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2012. 

  
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 F. Relocation Expenses. The Company shall reimburse Employee for reasonable, and
documented out-of-pocket relocation expenses incurred in connection with the Employee’s relocation during the one year following a termination by the Company without Cause, a termination by Employee for Good Reason, or the expiration of the
Initial Term or any Renewal Term, which reimbursement shall not exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). 
  

	4.	Termination of Employment. 

A. Termination as the Result of the Expiration of Term. The Employee’s employment hereunder may end as the result of the
expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, if the Company gives written notice to the Employee at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or Renewal Term of its intent not to renew the term, or if the Employee voluntarily
resigns. 
 B. Termination Without Cause. The Company may terminate the Employee’s employment hereunder without
Cause during the Initial Term or any Renewal Term upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Employee. 
 C.
Termination for Cause. The Company may terminate the Employee’s employment hereunder for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement and subject to the Employee’s opportunity to cure as provided below, the Company shall have
“Cause” to terminate the Employee’s employment hereunder if such termination shall be the result of: 
 (i) willful fraud or misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence in connection with the Employee’s performance of duties hereunder; 

(ii) the deliberate or intentional failure or willful nonfeasance by the Employee to substantially perform his duties
hereunder; 
 (iii) conduct which is materially detrimental to the reputation, goodwill or business operations of
the Company or any of its affiliates; or 
 (iv) the conviction for, or plea of nolo contendere to,
a charge of commission of a felony. 
 D. Good Reason. The Employee may voluntarily terminate his employment hereunder
for any reason, including Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean: 
 (i) any materially adverse modification of the Employee’s positions, responsibilities or titles; 
 (ii) a reduction of the Employee’s Base Salary; 

  
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 (iii) other than in connection with a change in corporate structure that
does not result in a reduction of Employee’s Base Salary or a materially adverse modification of the Employee’s duties, notice has been provided to the Company that any of the following is terminated: (a) the Management Agreement
between the Company and ESA P Operating Lessee Inc., dated as of October 8, 2010, as may be amended from time to time; or (b) the Management Agreement between the Company and ESA 2007 Operating Lessee Inc., dated as of October 8,
2010, as may be amended from time to time; or 
 (iv) any failure by the Company to comply in all material
respects with the compensation and benefits provisions of Section 3 hereof or any other material breach of this Agreement by the Company, which breach remains uncured thirty (30) days after notice of such breach is delivered by the
Employee to the Company. 
 E. Termination Upon Death or Disability. The Employment Period shall be terminated by the
death of the Employee. The Employment Period may be terminated by the Company if, in the reasonable judgment of the Manager Representatives of the Company, the Employee shall be rendered incapable of performing his duties to the Company by reason of
any physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or that can be expected to last for a period of either (i) six (6) or more consecutive months from the first date of the Employee’s absence due to the
disability; or (ii) nine (9) months during any twelve (12) month period (a “Disability”). If the Employment Period is terminated by reason of Disability of the Employee, the Company shall give thirty
(30) days’ advance written notice to that effect to the Employee. 
  

	5.	Consequences of Termination. 

 A. Without Cause, for Good Reason. In the event the Employee’s employment by the Company is terminated (x) during the Employment Period as a result of (a) the Employee’s
termination by the Company Without Cause, or (b) the Employee’s voluntary resignation for Good Reason, or (y) upon expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term which is the result of the Company’s failure to consent to a
further extension of the terms pursuant to Section 1, then neither the Employee nor the Employee’s beneficiaries or estate will have any further rights or claims against the Company under this Agreement except the right to receive:
(i) any unpaid portion of the Base Salary provided for in Section 3.A. paid through the date of termination; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to one times the sum of the Employee’s Base Salary and Target Bonus, each as in effect on
the date of termination; (iii) payment of the Bonus accrued for the year prior to such termination (to the extent not already paid), as well as payment of a Target Bonus for the year of termination multiplied by a fraction the numerator of
which is the number of days in such year through the termination date and the denominator of which is 365; (iv) reimbursement for any expenses for which the Employee shall not have theretofore been reimbursed as provided in Section 3
hereof; (v) reimbursement for benefits pursuant to Section 3.C. that would have been provided during the one year period following termination, including COBRA premiums; and (vi) payment of all other accrued obligations of the
Company, including accrued vacation and entitlements under the Company’s welfare and pension plans. Payment of the amounts set forth in subsections (ii), (iii) and (vi) above shall be made on the sixtieth (60th) day following the
date of the Employee’s termination of employment. Reimbursement of amounts set forth in subsections (iv) and (v) shall be made in accordance with the usual 

  
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applicable policies in effect at the Company as if the Employee continued employment; provided that reimbursements pursuant to subsections (v) and (vi) shall not commence until the
sixtieth (60th) day following the Employee’s termination of employment, and such reimbursement shall include any such amounts that would otherwise be due prior thereto. 

B. Termination Due to Death. In the event that the Employee’s employment with the Company is terminated during the Employment
Period on account of the Employee’s death, neither the Employee nor the Employee’s beneficiaries or estate will have any further rights or claims against the Company under this Agreement except the right to receive (i) any unpaid
portion of the Base Salary provided for in Section 3.A., paid through the date of termination; (ii) payment of the Bonus accrued for the year prior to such termination (to the extent not already paid), as well as payment of a Target Bonus
for the year of termination multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days in such year through the termination date and the denominator of which is 365; and (iii) reimbursement for any expenses for which the Employee
shall not have theretofore been reimbursed as provided in Section 3 hereof. Reimbursement of amounts set forth in subsection (iii) shall be made in accordance with the usual applicable policies in effect at the Company as if the Employee
continued employment. 
 C. Termination Due to Disability. In the event that the Employee’s employment with the
Company is terminated during the Employment Period on account of the Employee’s Disability, neither the Employee nor the Employee’s beneficiaries or estate will have any further rights or claims against the Company under this Agreement
except the right to receive (i) any unpaid portion of the Base Salary provided for in Section 3.A. paid through the date of termination; (ii) continued payment of the Employee’s Base Salary, as in effect on the date of
termination, for the greater of (a) the balance of the calendar year in which the employee was deemed to have a Disability or (b) six (6) months, which payments shall be made in accordance with the usual payroll policies in effect at
the Company as if the Employee had continued employment; provided that the first payment shall be made on the sixtieth (60th) day after the Employee’s termination of employment and such first payment shall include payment amounts that
would otherwise be due prior thereto; (iii) payment of the Bonus accrued for the year prior to such termination (to the extent not already paid) as well as payment of a Target Bonus for the year of termination multiplied by a fraction the
numerator of which is the number of days in such year through the termination date and the denominator of which is 365; and (iv) reimbursement for any expenses for which the Employee shall not have theretofore been reimbursed as provided in
Section 3 hereof. Reimbursement of amounts set forth in subsection (iv) shall be made in accordance with the usual applicable policies in effect at the Company as if the Employee continued employment. 

D. Release. The obligation of the Company to make any of the payments to the Employee under Sections 5.A.(ii), (iii) and (v),
Section 5.C.(ii) and (iii), Section 5.E. (ii), (iii), and (v), and Section 5.F.(ii) shall be conditioned upon the execution and delivery by the Employee of a general release substantially in the form attached as Appendix A, and such
release becoming effective and irrevocable in its entirety on or prior to the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of the Employee’s termination of employment, in which the Employee unconditionally, without any reservation, irrevocably
and forever releases and discharges the Company and its affiliates, and those parties for which Employee has provided services in connection with his employment by the Company, including without limitation, their respective shareholders,

  
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members, partners, officers, directors, managers and employees (collectively, the “Released Parties”) of and from any and all claims, causes of action or demands, that the
Employee then has, or may have, against any of the Released Parties, other than claims arising under this Agreement. 
 E.
Without Cause, for Good Reason in Connection with a Change of Control Transaction. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event the Employee’s employment by the Company is terminated during the Employment Period and upon
or within 180 days following a Change of Control Transaction as a result of (a) the Employee’s termination by the Company without Cause, or (b) the Employee’s resignation for Good Reason, then neither the Employee nor the
Employee’s beneficiaries or estate will have any further rights or claims against the Company under this Agreement except the right to receive: (i) any unpaid portion of the Base Salary provided for in Section 3.A. paid through the
date of termination; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to two times the sum of the Employee’s Base Salary and Target Bonus, each as in effect on the date of termination; (iii) payment of the Bonus accrued for the year prior to such
termination (to the extent not already paid) as well as payment of a Target Bonus for the year of termination multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days in such year through the termination date and the denominator of
which is 365; (iv) reimbursement for any expenses for which the Employee shall not have theretofore been reimbursed as provided in Section 3 hereof; (v) reimbursement for benefits pursuant to Section 3.C. that would have been
provided during the two year period following termination, including COBRA premiums; and (vi) payment of all other accrued obligations of the Company, including accrued vacation and entitlements under the Company’s employee benefit plans.
Payment of the amounts set forth in subsections (ii), (iii) and (vi) above shall be made on the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of the Employee’s termination of employment. Reimbursement of amounts set forth in subsections
(iv) and (v) shall be made in accordance with the usual applicable policies in effect at the Company as if the Employee continued employment; provided that reimbursements shall not commence until the sixtieth (60th) day following the
Employee’s termination of employment, and such reimbursement shall include any such amounts that would otherwise be due prior thereto. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control Transaction” is defined in the Second Amended
and Restated HVM Management Incentive Plan. 
 F. Other Termination. In the event that the Employee’s employment
with the Company is terminated during the Employment Period as a result of (a) a voluntary resignation/termination by the Employee other than for Good Reason, or (b) by the Company for Cause, neither the Employee nor the Employee’s
beneficiaries or estate will have any further rights or claims against the Company under this Agreement except the right to receive (i) any unpaid portion of the Base Salary provided for in Section 3.A. paid through the date of
termination; (ii) other than upon a termination by the Company for Cause, any unpaid portion of the Bonus accrued for the year prior to the termination (to the extent not already paid) as well as payment of a Target Bonus for the year of
termination multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days in such year through the termination date and the denominator of which is 365; and (iii) reimbursement for any expenses for which the Employee shall not have
theretofore been reimbursed as provided in Section 3 hereof. Reimbursement of amounts set forth in subsection (iii) shall be made in accordance with the usual applicable policies in effect at the Company as if the Employee continued
employment. 

  
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 G. Withholding of Taxes. All payments required to be made by the Company to the
Employee under this Agreement shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts, if any, relating to tax, excise tax and other payroll deductions as the Company may reasonably determine it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law or
regulation. 
 H. Return of Records. Upon any termination of employment, whether voluntary or involuntary, upon the
expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, or upon the Company’s request at any time, the Employee shall immediately return to the Company all documents and other materials in any medium including but not limited to electronic, which
relate in any way to the Company, including notebooks, correspondence, memos, drawings or diagrams, computer files and databases, graphics and formulas, whether prepared by the Employee or by others and whether required by the Employee’s work
or for his personal use, whether copies or originals, unless the Employee first obtains the Company’s written consent to keep such records. 
  

	6.	Restrictive Covenants. 

A. Non-Disparagement. During the Employee’s term of employment with the Company and at all times thereafter, the Employee
shall not defame, disparage, make negative statements about or act in any manner that is intended to or does damage the goodwill, business or personal reputations of any of the Company and its affiliates, and their respective shareholders, members,
partners, officers, directors, managers and employees. 
 B. Confidentiality. Employee agrees that during his employment
with the Company, he will have access to confidential information and/or proprietary information about the Company and/or its clients, including, but not limited to, trade secrets, methods, models, passwords, access to computer files, financial
information and records, forecasts, computer software programs, agreements and/or contracts between the Company and its respective clients, client contracts, prospective contracts, creative policies and ideas, public relations and public affairs
campaigns, media materials, budgets, practices, concepts, strategies, methods of operation, technical and scientific information, discoveries, developments, formulas, specifications, know-how, design inventions, marketing and business strategies and
financial or business projects, and information about or received from clients and other companies with which the Company does business. The foregoing shall be collectively referred to as “Confidential Information,” provided that
Confidential Information shall not include such information that is generally available to the public (other than as a result of disclosure by the Employee) or information publicly known in the industry. Disclosure of any Confidential Information
will not be prohibited if such disclosure is directed pursuant to a valid and existing subpoena or order of a court or other governmental body or agency within the United States; provided, that the Employee will first have given prompt notice to the
Company of any such subpoena or order (or proceeding pursuant to any such order). Such Confidential Information is not readily available to the public and accordingly, Employee agrees that he will not at any time, whether during his employment with
the Company or thereafter, disclose to anyone (other than in furtherance of the business of the Company) any Confidential Information, or utilize such Confidential Information for his own benefit, or for the benefit of third parties. 

  
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 C. Non-Competition after Termination. In consideration of the rights and benefits
hereunder, the Employee agrees that so long as he is an employee of the Company and for a period of one (1) year after the date of termination of his employment under this Agreement, he shall not: (i) solicit or encourage any employee of
the Company to leave the employment of the Company; or (ii) provide services, directly or indirectly, within the United States in any capacity, including as a member, manager, partner, employee, broker, agent, principal, trustee, corporate
officer, director, licensor, or in any other capacity whatsoever, (“Services”) principally in respect to any division, unit, division or other segment of any entity or business engaged in the extended stay segment of the lodging or
hospitality sector (such entity or business, a “Competing Business”) or (iii) acquire or hold an ownership interest, whether directly or indirectly (“Ownership”), in a Competing Business other than a less than one percent
(1%) of the class of a publicly traded stock or securities of any such entity. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Employee shall voluntarily terminate his employment with the Company on less than six months advance written
notice of such termination (the “Requisite Notice”), in addition to the above covenants, Employee also agrees that for a period of six months from the date of his termination of employment, Employee shall not (i) provide Services to
any entity or business in the lodging or hospitality sector that is in competition with the Company’s business, or have Ownership in any such entity, other than a less than one percent (1%) of the class of a publicly traded stock or
securities of any such entity. Upon receipt of notice from the Employee of his voluntary termination, the Company may elect to shorten the notice period to, and to make the Employee’s resignation effective as of, any date not less than 30 days
(or such shorter period to which Employee shall agree) from the date the Company provides Employee written notice shortening Employee’s notice period, but for purposes of determining the duration and application of the additional covenant
contained in the immediately preceding sentence, the Employee shall be deemed to have provided the Requisite Notice if the original notice provided would have satisfied the applicable notice periods. 

D. Enforcement. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of this Agreement, including Section 6, are
reasonable and necessary for the successful operation of the Company. The Employee further acknowledges that if the Employee breaches any provision of this Agreement, including Section 6, the Company will suffer irreparable injury. It is
therefore agreed that the Company shall have the right to enjoin any such breach or threatened breach, without posting any bond, if ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction. The existence of this right to injunctive and other equitable relief
shall not limit any other rights or remedies that the Company may have at law or in equity including, without limitation, the right to monetary, compensatory and punitive damages. If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a court of
competent jurisdiction to be not enforceable in the manner set forth herein, the Employee and the Company agree that it is the intention of the parties that such provision should be enforceable to the maximum extent possible under applicable law.

  

	7.	Section 409A. 

 A.
The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the regulations and guidance promulgated
thereunder (collectively “Section 409A”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be exempt from Section 409A or in compliance therewith, as applicable. If the Employee

  
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notifies the Company that the Employee has received advice of tax counsel of national reputation with expertise in Section 409A that any provision of this Agreement (or of any award of
compensation, including equity compensation or benefits) would cause the Employee to incur any additional tax or interest under Section 409A (with specificity as to the reason therefor) or the Company independently makes such determination, the
Company shall, after consulting with the Employee, reform such provision to try to comply with Section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Section 409A. To the extent that any
provision hereof is modified in order to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to the
Employee and the Company of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Section 409A. 
 B. A termination
of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits that are considered nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A upon or following
a termination of employment, unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A and the payment thereof prior to a “separation from service” would violate Section 409A. For
purposes of any such provision of this Agreement relating to any such payments or benefits, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” 

C. All expenses or other reimbursements as provided herein shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s policies in effect from
time to time, but in any event shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by the Employee. 
 D. For purposes of Section 409A, the Employee’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct
payments. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within sixty (60) days following the date of termination”), the actual date of payment
within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company. 
  

	8.	Notice. 

 All notices,
requests and other communications pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given, if delivered in person or by courier, telegraphed, telexed or by facsimile transmission or sent by express, registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: 
  

			
	If to the Company:	  	HVM L.L.C.
		  	11525 N. Community House Road, Suite 100
		  	Charlotte, NC 28277
		  	Attention: General Counsel
		  	Facsimile No.: (980) 345-1665

  
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	with a copy to:	  	Centerbridge Partners, L.P.
		  	375 Park Avenue
		  	New York, New York 10152
		  	Attention: William D. Rahm
		  	Facsimile No.: (212) 672-5001
		  	Attention: General Counsel and Scott Hopson
		  	Facsimile No.: (212) 672-4501 and (212) 672-4526
		
	and a copy to:	  	Paulson & Co. Inc.
		  	1251 Avenue of the Americas, 50th Floor
		  	New York, New York 10020
		  	Attention: Michael Barr
		  	Facsimile No.: (212) 351-5892
		  	Attention: General Counsel
		  	Facsimile No.: (212) 977-9505
		
	and a copy to:	  	The Blackstone Group
		  	345 Park Avenue
		  	New York, New York 10154
		  	Attention: A.J. Agarwal
		  	Facsimile No.: (212) 583-5725
		  	Attention: General Counsel
		  	Facsimile No.: (646) 253-8983
		
	If to Employee:	  	Thomas Seddon
		  	66 Ledborough Lane
		  	Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2DG
		  	United Kingdom

 Each party may change its address by written notice in accordance with this Section 8. 

 

	9.	Governing Law. 

 This
Agreement shall be governed by and enforceable in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts executed and performed within such state, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof. Except as
provided in Section 6.D. above, any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or any breach or alleged breach hereof, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration, conducted in New York City, New York,
before, and in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The costs of such arbitration shall be borne
equally by the parties thereto and each party shall bear such party’s own attorneys’ fees in connection with such arbitration; provided, however, that if the Employee is the prevailing party in any arbitration arising under
this Section, he shall be entitled to recover from the Company his reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred with respect thereto in addition to any other available remedies. 

  
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	10.	Successors and Assigns. 

This Agreement shall be binding upon Company’s successors and assigns. The term “Company” as used herein includes
such successors and assigns. The term “successors and assigns” as used herein means any person or entity that acquires all or substantially all of Company’s assets and business (including this Agreement) whether by operation of law or
otherwise. This Agreement, with respect to Employee, is for personal services, and is therefore not assignable. 
  

	11.	Severability. 

 To the
extent any provision of this Agreement or portion thereof shall be invalid or unenforceable, it shall be considered deleted therefrom and the remainder of such provision and of this Agreement shall be unaffected and shall continue in full force and
effect. 
  

	12.	Counterparts. 

 This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement. 

 

	13.	Entire Agreement. 

 This
Agreement constitutes the entire agreement by the Company and the Employee with respect to the subject matter hereof and except as specifically provided herein, supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between the Employee and the
Company with respect to the subject matter hereof, whether written or oral, but not including any agreements entered into by the Employee as otherwise applicable to the Employee pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated HVM Management Incentive
Plan, any Letter Agreement entered into by the Employee with HVM L.L.C, any rights of the Employee under the Sixth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Agreement of HVM L.L.C. dated as of January 31, 2012, as may be amended from time to time,
or any rights of the Employee as a member of ESH Holdings under the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of ESH Holdings dated as of November 10, 2011, as may be amended from time to time, except as provided in
Section 14. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by the Employee and the Company. 
  

	14.	Class C Units of Hospitality and Strategies. 

 The Employee hereby consents and agrees that, in the event of (x) an Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) of the Company or any parent of subsidiary of the Company, ESH Holdings, ESH
Hospitality LLC, CP ESH Investors LLC, or Extended Stay LLC, or (y) any transaction where the Units of ESH Holdings are exchanged for shares of a publicly-traded Company, any Class C Units of ESH Holdings or ESH Hospitality Strategies Holdings
LLC held by Employee may be converted into shares of publicly-traded stock with substantially similar terms as applicable to Class C Units on an equitable basis as determined in the sole discretion of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, any
unvested Class C Units may become restricted shares with the same vesting schedule as is applicable to such Class C Units at the time of the IPO as 

  
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determined in the sole discretion of the Company. In addition, any vested Class C Units held by the Employee, including any Class C Units that vest, if any, as the result of the IPO, may be
subject to any customary lockup restrictions immediately following the IPO to be determined in the sole discretion of the Company. 
  

	15.	No Conflict. 

 The
Employee represents and warrants that Employee is not in default under, or in breach of, any agreement requiring Employee to preserve the confidentiality of any information, client lists, trade secrets or other confidential information or agreements
not to compete or interfere with any prior employer including, but not limited to, any employment agreement; and neither the execution and delivery of this agreement nor the performance by Employee of Employee’s obligations hereunder will
conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under, any confidentiality or non-competition agreement or any employment agreement to which Employee is a party or to which Employee may be subject. 

  
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 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date set forth above.

  

					
	HVM L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company
	By:	 	HVM Manager 2 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its manager
			
		 	        By:	 	 /s/ Vivek Melwani

		 	        Name:	 	Vivek Melwani
		 	        Title:	 	Authorized Signatory
	
	Thomas Seddon
	
	 /s/ Tom Seddon

 Appendix A 
 RELEASE 
 Thomas Seddon (“Employee”), for and in consideration of the
payments and benefits that Employee shall receive under the Employment Agreement dated as of March 26, 2012 (the “Employment Agreement”), hereby executes the following General Release (“Release”) and agrees as
follows (capitalized terms not defined below shall have the meaning set forth in the Employment Agreement): 
 1. Employee
understands and agrees that from and after the date of his termination of employment with the Company, he no longer is authorized to incur any expenses, obligations or liabilities on behalf of the Company. 

2. Employee, on behalf of Employee, Employee’s agents, assignees, attorneys, successors, assigns, heirs and executors, to, and
Employee does hereby fully and completely forever release each of the Company and those parties for which Employee has provided services in connection with his employment by the Company, including without limitation, their respective affiliates,
predecessors and successors and all of their respective past and/or present officers, directors, partners, members, managing members, managers, executives, agents, representatives, administrators, attorneys, insurers and fiduciaries in their
individual and/or representative capacities (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Released Parties”), from any and all causes of action, suits, agreements, promises, damages, disputes, controversies, contentions,
differences, judgments, claims, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, variances, trespasses, extents, executions and demands of any kind whatsoever, which Employee or Employee’s
heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns ever had, now have or may have against the Released Parties or any of them, in law, admiralty or equity, whether known or unknown to Employee, for, upon, or by reason of, any matter, action,
omission, course or thing whatsoever occurring up to the date this Release is signed by Employee, including, without limitation, in connection with or in relationship to Employee’s employment or other service relationship with the Company or
its respective affiliates, the termination of any such employment or service relationship and any applicable employment, compensatory or equity arrangement with the Company or its respective affiliates (such released claims are collectively referred
to herein as the “Released Claims”). 
 3. The Released Claims include, without limitation, (i) any and
all claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Civil Rights Act of 1971, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, and any and all other federal, state or local laws, statutes, rules and regulations pertaining to employment or otherwise, and (ii) any claims for wrongful
discharge, breach of contract, fraud, misrepresentation or any compensation claims, or any other claims under any statute, rule, regulation or under the common law, including compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, costs,
expenses and all claims for any other type of damage or relief. The Released Claims shall not include any claims (i) to 

 
entitlements under the Employment Agreement dated as of March 26, 2012, (ii) for indemnification, advancement of expenses and other right to benefit from the exculpatory provisions
pursuant under the organizational documents of the Company, (iii) any right to accrued salary or vacation, or entitlements under any employee benefit plan maintained by the Company, or (iv) any rights relating to the Units under the Second
Amended and Restated HVM Management Incentive Plan and the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Hospitality Holdings LLC dated as of November 10, 2011, except as provided in the Employment Agreement. 

4. This means that, by signing this Release, the Employee shall have waived any right which the Employee may have had to bring a lawsuit
or make any claim against the Released Parties based on the Released Claims. If any government agency brings any claim or conducts any investigation against the Company, nothing in this Release forbids Employee from cooperating in such proceedings,
but by this Release, Employee waives and agrees to relinquish any damages or other individual relief that may be awarded as a result of any such proceedings. 
 5. Employee agrees to make himself reasonably available to the Company in connection with any claims, disputes, investigations, regulatory examinations or actions, lawsuits or administrative proceedings
relating to matters in which Employee was involved during the period in which Employee was an officer of the Company, and to provide information to the Company, and otherwise cooperate with the Company in the investigation, defense or prosecution of
such actions. 
 6. Employee represents that he has read carefully and fully understands the terms of this Release, and that
Employee has been advised to consult with an attorney and has had the opportunity to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Release. Employee acknowledges that he is executing this Release voluntarily and knowingly and that he has not relied
on any representations, promises or agreements of any kind made to Employee in connection with Employee’s decision to accept the terms of this Release, other than those set forth in this Release. Employee acknowledges that Employee has been
given at least twenty-one (21) days to consider whether Employee wants to sign this Release and that the Age Discrimination in Employment Act gives Employee the right to revoke this Release within seven (7) days after it is signed, and
Employee understands that he will not receive any payments due him under the Employment Agreement until such seven (7) day revocation period (the “Revocation Period”) has passed and then, only if Employee has not revoked this
Release. Upon such revocation, this Release and the provisions entitling him to future benefits under the Employment Agreement shall be null and void and of no further force and effect. To the extent Employee has executed this Release within less
than twenty-one (21) days after its delivery to Employee, Employee hereby acknowledges that his decision to execute this Release prior to the expiration of such twenty-one (21) day period was entirely voluntary. 

 

	
	  

	Employee
	
	  

	DateEX-10.18

 Exhibit 10.18 
 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 
 THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (hereinafter
referred to as this “Agreement” or the “Employment Agreement”) is made and entered into as of September 1, 2013 between HVM L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), and
Jonathan Halkyard (the “Employee”). 
 WHEREAS, the Company wishes to employ the Employee, and Employee wishes
to accept such employment, and the parties wish to enter into this Agreement to set forth the terms of such employment. 
 NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and representations contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows: 
  

	1.	Employment Period. 

 The
Company will employ the Employee, and the Employee will serve the Company under the terms of this Agreement for an initial term of two (2) years (the “Initial Term”) commencing on September 30, 2013 (the “Effective
Date”). Such term shall be automatically extended thereafter for subsequent terms of one year (a “Renewal Term”), unless the Company provides written notice to the Employee at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the
term of its intent not to renew the term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employee’s employment hereunder may be earlier terminated in accordance with Section 4 below. The period of time between the commencement and the termination of
the Employee’s employment (including the expiration of this Agreement) hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Period.” 
  

	2.	Duties and Status. 

 A.
Position. The Company hereby engages the Employee as its Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. During the Employment Period, the Employee shall have such authority and
responsibility and perform such duties consistent with the COO’s position as may be assigned from time to time by the Company. The Employee agrees to devote substantially all of his business time, efforts and skills to the performance of his
duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. During the Employment Period, the Employee shall report directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”). 

B. Standard of Care. The Employee agrees to carry out his duties hereunder in a reasonable, diligent, prudent and professional
manner consistent with his fiduciary duties as an officer of the Company. 
  

	3.	Compensation and Benefits. 

A. Salary. During the Employment Period, the Company shall pay to the Employee, as compensation for the performance of his duties
and obligations under this Agreement, a base 

 
salary at the rate of $550,000 per annum (the “Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the Company; provided however, that for 2013, Employee
will receive a pro-rated portion based upon the Effective Date. The Base Salary shall be reviewed annually by the Company in accordance with Company policies. 
 B. Bonus. During the Employment Period, the Employee shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus (the “Bonus”) under the Company’s annual bonus program as may be in effect
from time to time. With respect to such Bonus, the Employee shall have an annual target bonus opportunity of $550,000 (the “Target Bonus”), as determined by the indirect equity owners of the manager of the Company or such similar
successor group (the “Manager Representatives”) in accordance with the terms of the annual bonus program. The Manager Representatives will determine the actual performance and the amount of the Bonus, and will pay such Bonus prior
to March 15th of the following year. The payment of any Bonus is expressly conditioned upon Employee’s active status as COO on the date any such Bonus is payable, unless otherwise provided in Section 5. Subject to the preceding
sentence, Employee shall receive a guaranteed Bonus for 2013 equal to the greater of (x) $420,000 and (y) the sum of (i) $375,000, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in such year before the
Effective Date and the denominator of which is 365, and (ii) the amount of the Bonus the Employee earned based on actual performance during such year, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in such year from and
after the Effective Date and the denominator of which is 365. 
 C. Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Employee
shall be entitled to participate in all of the employee benefit plans of the Company in effect during the Employment Period which are generally available to similarly situated employees of the Company, subject to and on a basis consistent with, the
terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans. 
 D. Business Expenses. During the Employment Period, the
Company shall promptly reimburse the Employee for all appropriately documented, reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by the Employee in the performance of his duties under this Agreement in accordance with Company policies.

 E. Relocation Expenses. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Employee shall be entitled to reimbursement of
relocation expenses in accordance with the terms of the Relocation Policy – Tier III in the event the Employee relocates to Charlotte, North Carolina within the 14 month period following the Effective Date. 

F. Travel Expenses. The Company shall promptly reimburse the Employee for all appropriately documented, reasonable transportation
expenses incurred by the Employee in connection with commuting to Charlotte, North Carolina, provided that such expenses are incurred prior to the Employee’s relocation to Charlotte, North Carolina in accordance with Section 3.E. In
addition, during the time period that such expenses are reimbursable in accordance with the provisions of the preceding sentence, the Company shall provide the Employee with lodging at an Extended Stay Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina at no cost
to the Employee. 

  
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 G. Sign-on Bonus. The Company shall pay the Employee a cash payment (the
“Sign-on Bonus”) in an amount equal to $1,105,400, which amount shall be paid in a lump sum as soon as practicable following the Effective Date, but in any event within 14 business days following the Effective Date in accordance
with the Company’s normal payroll practices. If the Employee is terminated by the Company for Cause (as defined below) or resigns without Good Reason (as defined below) at any time within the first year of the Initial Term, the Employee shall
return a portion of the Sign-on Bonus in an amount equal to the Sign-on Bonus multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days remaining in the first year of the Initial Term following the date of such termination, and the
denominator of which is 365. 
 H. Equity Grants. 

(i) In the event that the Company, its Parent, its subsidiaries, or any successor thereto registers a class of equity securities pursuant
to an initial public offering (an “IPO”), the Company shall grant to the Employee at or immediately prior to the effectiveness of the IPO, an award of equity securities (the “Initial Equity Award”), which award
shall be in respect of a number of equity securities equal to (a) in the event the IPO takes place on or prior to December 31, 2013, $3,979,440 divided by the per security offering price as of the effectiveness of the IPO, or (b) in
the event the IPO takes place after December 31, 2013 but on or prior to the nine month anniversary of the Effective Date, $4,178,412, divided by the per security offering price as of the effectiveness of the IPO, and, in either case, which
award shall take the form of equity securities as authorized by the equity incentive plan in place by the issuing entity at such time. One-half of the Initial Equity Award shall vest on each of the first and second anniversaries of the Effective
Date, in each case, subject to the Employee’s continued employment with the Company through the applicable anniversary date. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event of a termination of the
Employee’s employment with the Company for any reason, other than by the Company for Cause (as defined below) or by the Employee without Good Reason (as defined below), any unvested portion of the Initial Equity Award as of the date of such
termination shall fully vest. In the event that an IPO does not occur within nine months after the Effective Date, the Company shall, no later than as soon as practicable after the expiration of such nine-month period, grant to the Employee an award
of equity securities with an aggregate fair market value on the date of grant (determined in accordance with the valuation method specified in the governing documents in effect at such time) equal to $4,178,412, which award shall be of the same
class and type of equity security that the Company shall award to similarly situated employees at such time, it being understood that the terms set forth in the two preceding sentences shall apply to any such award granted to the Employee, and it
being understood further that such award shall be in lieu of the Initial Equity Award. 
 (ii) In respect of 2014, the Company
shall grant an equity award in accordance with the terms of the Company’s equity incentive plan or plans in effect as of such time, valued as of the date of grant at $950,000 (the “2014 Equity Award”), provided,
however, that the award of the 2014 Equity Award is subject to approval by the Manager Representative in all respects, and provided, further, that such grant shall be made during 2014 on the same date, and shall be valued on the
same basis, as annual equity grants are made to the Company’s senior officers. 

  
 3 

 I. Indemnification and D&O Insurance. 

(i) The Company shall, to the full extent permitted by law and subject to the Company’s governing documents, indemnify and hold
harmless the Employee from and against any liability, damage, claim, settlement, or expense incurred by reason of any act performed or omitted to be performed by the Employee in connection with the business of the Company, including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys fees and reasonable expenses incurred by the Employee in connection with the defense of any action based on any such act or omission. Without limiting the foregoing, the Employee shall be entitled to the benefit of
the indemnification provisions available to similarly situated officers of the Company. 
 (ii) The Employee shall be covered
under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company to the extent of the limits and subject to any exclusions provided in the policy as are applicable to the Company’s officers in general.

  

	4.	Termination of Employment. 

A. Termination as the Result of the Expiration of Term. The Employee’s employment hereunder may end as the result of the
expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, if the Company gives written notice to the Employee at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or Renewal Term of its intent not to renew the term, or if the Employee voluntarily
resigns. 
 B. Termination Without Cause. The Company may terminate the Employee’s employment hereunder without
Cause during the Initial Term or any Renewal Term upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Employee. 
 C.
Termination for Cause. The Company may terminate the Employee’s employment hereunder for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, the Company shall have “Cause” to terminate the Employee’s employment hereunder if such
termination shall be the result of: 
 (i) willful fraud or misconduct, or gross negligence in connection with the
Employee’s performance of duties hereunder; 
 (ii) the deliberate or intentional failure or willful nonfeasance by the
Employee to substantially perform his duties hereunder; 
 (iii) conduct which is materially detrimental to the reputation,
goodwill or business operations of the Company or any of its affiliates; or 
 (iv) the conviction for, or plea of nolo
contendere to, a charge of commission of a felony. 
 D. Good Reason. The Employee may voluntarily terminate his
employment hereunder for any reason, including Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean: 
 (i) any materially adverse modification of the Employee’s positions, responsibilities or titles; 

  
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 (ii) a reduction of the Employee’s Base Salary; 

(iii) any failure by the Company to comply in all material respects with the compensation and benefits provisions of Section 3
hereof or any other material breach of this Agreement by the Company, including the Employee’s being required to report to any person other than the CEO, which breach remains uncured thirty (30) days after notice of such breach is
delivered by the Employee to the Company; or 
 (iv) solely for the purpose of Section 3.H.(i) the Employee’s not
being named as the CEO in the event that the CEO as of the Effective Date ceases to be the CEO for any reason at any time within the second year of the Initial Term. 
 E. Termination Upon Death or Disability. The Employment Period shall be terminated by the death of the Employee. The Employment Period may be terminated by the Company if, in the reasonable
judgment of the Manager Representatives of the Company, the Employee shall be rendered incapable of performing his duties to the Company by reason of any physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or that can be expected
to last for a period of either (i) six (6) or more consecutive months from the first date of the Employee’s absence due to the disability; or (ii) nine (9) months during any twelve (12) month period (a
“Disability”). If the Employment Period is terminated by reason of Disability of the Employee, the Company shall give thirty (30) days’ advance written notice to that effect to the Employee. 

 

	5.	Consequences of Termination. 

 A. Without Cause, for Good Reason. In the event the Employee’s employment by the Company is terminated during the Employment Period as a result of (a) the Employee’s termination by
the Company without Cause, or (b) the Employee’s voluntary resignation for Good Reason, then neither the Employee nor the Employee’s beneficiaries or estate will have any further rights or claims against the Company under this
Agreement except the right to receive: (i) any unpaid portion of the Base Salary provided for in Section 3.A. paid through the date of termination; (ii) payment of the Bonus accrued for the year prior to such termination (to the
extent not already paid); (iii) reimbursement for any expenses incurred prior to the termination date for which the Employee shall not have theretofore been reimbursed as provided in Section 3.D. hereof; (iv) payment of all other
accrued obligations of the Company, including accrued vacation and entitlements under the Company’s welfare and retirement plans (each such payment, and any payments to be provided pursuant to sub-sections (i), (ii) and (iii) above,
an “Accrued Benefit” and together, the “Accrued Benefits”); (v) a lump sum payment equal to one times the sum of the Employee’s Base Salary and target Bonus, each as in effect on the date of termination;
(vi) payment of a Bonus for the year of termination in the amount of the Bonus that would have been payable for the year of termination, based on actual performance as determined at the end of the applicable performance period under the terms
of the Company’s annual bonus plan, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in such year through the termination date and the denominator of which is 365, which amount shall be payable at the

  
 5 

 
same time as bonuses are paid to similarly situated employees in accordance Section 3.B.; and (vii) reimbursement for COBRA premiums for the one year period following termination date.
Payment of any Accrued Benefits shall be made in accordance with the usual applicable policies in effect at the Company as if the Employee continued employment. Payment of the amounts set forth in subsections (v), (vi), and (vii) above shall
not commence prior to the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of the Employee’s termination of employment. 
 B.
Termination Due to Death. In the event that the Employee’s employment with the Company is terminated on account of the Employee’s death, neither the Employee nor the Employee’s beneficiaries or estate will have any further
rights or claims against the Company under this Agreement except the right to receive any (i) any Accrued Benefits; and (ii) payment of a Bonus for the year of termination in the amount of the Target Bonus for the year of termination,
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in such year through the termination date and the denominator of which is 365, which amount shall be payable at the same time as bonuses are paid to similarly situated employees
in accordance Section 3.B. Payment of any Accrued Benefits shall be made in accordance with the usual applicable policies in effect at the Company as if the Employee continued employment. Payment of the amount set forth in subsection
(ii) above shall not commence prior to the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of the Employee’s termination of employment. 
 C. Termination Due to Disability. In the event that the Employee’s employment with the Company is terminated on account of the Employee’s Disability, neither the Employee nor the
Employee’s beneficiaries or estate will have any further rights or claims against the Company under this Agreement except the right to receive (i) any Accrued Benefits; (ii) continued payment of the Employee’s Base Salary, as in
effect on the date of termination, for the greater of (a) the balance of the calendar year in which the employee was deemed to have a Disability or (b) six (6) months, which payments shall be made in accordance with the usual payroll
policies in effect at the Company as if the Employee had continued employment; provided that the first payment shall be made on the sixtieth (60th) day after the Employee’s termination of employment and such first payment shall include
payment amounts that would otherwise be due prior thereto; and (iii) payment of a Bonus for the year of termination in the amount of the Target Bonus for the year of termination, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of
days in such year through the termination date and the denominator of which is 365, which amount shall be payable at the same time as bonuses are paid to similarly situated employees in accordance Section 3.B. Payment of any Accrued Benefits
shall be made in accordance with the usual applicable policies in effect at the Company as if the Employee continued employment. Payment of the amount set forth in subsection (iii) above shall not commence prior to the sixtieth (60th) day
following the date of the Employee’s termination of employment. 
 D. Release. The obligation of the Company to make
any of the payments to the Employee under Sections 5.A.(v), (vi) and (vii); Section 5.B.(ii); Sections 5.C.(ii) and (iii); and Section 5.E.(ii) shall be conditioned upon the execution and delivery by the Employee of a general release
substantially in the form attached as Appendix A, and such release becoming effective and irrevocable in its entirety on or prior to the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of the Employee’s termination of employment, in which the
Employee unconditionally, without any reservation, irrevocably and forever releases and discharges the Company and its affiliates, and 

  
 6 

 
those parties for which Employee has provided services in connection with his employment by the Company, including without limitation, their respective shareholders, members, partners, officers,
directors, managers and employees (collectively, the “Released Parties”) of and from any and all claims, causes of action or demands, that the Employee then has, or may have, against any of the Released Parties, other than claims
arising under this Agreement. 
 E. Other Termination. In the event that the Employee’s employment with the Company
is terminated during the Employment Period as a result of (a) a voluntary resignation/termination by the Employee other than for Good Reason, or (b) by the Company for Cause, neither the Employee nor the Employee’s beneficiaries or
estate will have any further rights or claims against the Company under this Agreement except the right to receive (i) any Accrued Benefits; and (ii) other than upon a termination by the Company for Cause, payment of a Bonus for the year
of termination in the amount of the Bonus that would have been payable for the year of termination, based on actual performance as determined at the end of the applicable performance period under the terms of the Company’s annual bonus plan,
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in such year through the termination date and the denominator of which is 365, which amount shall be payable at the same time as bonuses are paid to similarly situated employees
in accordance Section 3.B. Payment of any Accrued Benefits shall be made in accordance with the usual applicable policies in effect at the Company as if the Employee continued employment. Payment of the amount set forth in subsection
(ii) above shall not commence prior to the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of the Employee’s termination of employment. 
 F. Withholding of Taxes. All payments required to be made by the Company to the Employee under this Agreement shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts, if any, relating to tax, excise
tax and other payroll deductions as the Company may reasonably determine it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. 
 G. Return of Records. Upon any termination of employment, whether voluntary or involuntary, upon the expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, or upon the Company’s request at any
time, the Employee shall immediately return to the Company all documents and other materials in any medium including but not limited to electronic, which relate in any way to the Company, including notebooks, correspondence, memos, drawings or
diagrams, computer files and databases, graphics and formulas, whether prepared by the Employee or by others and whether required by the Employee’s work or for his personal use, whether copies or originals, unless the Employee first obtains the
Company’s written consent to keep such records. 
 H. Mitigation. The Employee shall be under no obligation to seek
other employment or to otherwise mitigate the obligations of the Company under this Agreement (including the obligations of the Company under Section 3.I.), and there shall be no offset against amounts or benefits due to the Employee under this
Agreement or otherwise on account of any claim (other than any preexisting debts then due in accordance with their terms) the Company or its affiliates may have against the Employee or any remuneration or other benefit earned or received by Employee
after such termination 

  
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	6.	Restrictive Covenants. 

A. Non-Disparagement. During the Employee’s term of employment with the Company and at all times thereafter, the Employee
shall not defame, disparage, make negative statements about or act in any manner that is intended to or does damage the goodwill, business or personal reputations of any of the Company and its affiliates, and their respective shareholders, members,
partners, officers, directors, managers and employees. 
 B. Confidentiality. Employee agrees that during his employment
with the Company, he will have access to confidential information and/or proprietary information about the Company and/or its clients, including, but not limited to, trade secrets, methods, models, passwords, access to computer files, financial
information and records, forecasts, computer software programs, agreements and/or contracts between the Company and its respective clients, client contracts, prospective contracts, creative policies and ideas, public relations and public affairs
campaigns, media materials, budgets, practices, concepts, strategies, methods of operation, technical and scientific information, discoveries, developments, formulas, specifications, know-how, design inventions, marketing and business strategies and
financial or business projects, and information about or received from clients and other companies with which the Company does business. The foregoing shall be collectively referred to as “Confidential Information,” provided that
Confidential Information shall not include such information that is generally available to the public (other than as a result of disclosure by the Employee) or information publicly known in the industry. Disclosure of any Confidential Information
will not be prohibited if such disclosure is directed pursuant to a valid and existing subpoena or order of a court or other governmental body or agency within the United States; provided, that the Employee will first have given prompt notice to the
Company of any such subpoena or order (or proceeding pursuant to any such order). Such Confidential Information is not readily available to the public and accordingly, Employee agrees that he will not at any time, whether during his employment with
the Company or thereafter, disclose to anyone (other than in furtherance of the business of the Company) any Confidential Information, or utilize such Confidential Information for his own benefit, or for the benefit of third parties. 

C. Non-Competition after Termination. In consideration of the rights and benefits hereunder, the Employee agrees that so long as
he is an employee of the Company and for a period of one (1) year (the “Non-Competition Period”) after the date of termination of his employment under this Agreement, he shall not: (i) solicit or encourage any employee of
the Company to leave the employment of the Company; or (ii) directly or indirectly, as owner, member, manager, partner, joint venturer, stockholder, employee, broker, agent, principal, trustee, corporate officer, director, licensor, or in any
other capacity whatsoever, engage in, become financially interested in, employed by or have any connection with, any person, entity or business in the extended stay lodging sector that is in competition with the Company’s business (a
“Competing Business”), provided, however, that Employee may (i) form his own company for purposes of constructing or operating extended stay hotels, so long as he is in compliance with the non-solicit provision contained in
this Section 6.C. and (ii) own any securities of any corporation which is engaged in such business and is publicly owned and traded, but in an amount not to exceed at any one time one percent (1%) of the class of a publicly traded
stock or securities of such corporation. 

  
 8 

 D. Enforcement. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of this
Agreement, including Section 6, are reasonable and necessary for the successful operation of the Company. The Employee further acknowledges that if the Employee breaches any provision of this Agreement, including Section 6, the Company
will suffer irreparable injury. It is therefore agreed that the Company shall have the right to an injunction or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction enjoining such breach or threatened breach, without posting any bond. The existence
of this right to injunctive and other equitable relief shall not limit any other rights or remedies that the Company may have at law or in equity including, without limitation, the right to monetary, compensatory and punitive damages. If any
provision of this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be not enforceable in the manner set forth herein, the Employee and the Company agree that it is the intention of the parties that such provision should be enforceable
to the maximum extent possible under applicable law. 
  

	7.	Section 409A. 

 A.
The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the regulations and guidance promulgated
thereunder (collectively “Section 409A”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be exempt from Section 409A or in compliance therewith, as applicable. If the Employee notifies
the Company that the Employee has received advice of tax counsel of national reputation with expertise in Section 409A that any provision of this Agreement (or of any award of compensation, including equity compensation or benefits) would cause
the Employee to incur any additional tax or interest under Section 409A (with specificity as to the reason therefor) or the Company independently makes such determination, the Company shall, after consulting with the Employee, reform such
provision to try to comply with Section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Section 409A. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with or be
exempt from Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to the Employee and the Company of the applicable provision without
violating the provisions of Section 409A. 
 B. A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for
purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits that are considered nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment, unless such termination is
also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A and the payment thereof prior to a “separation from service” would violate Section 409A. For purposes of any such provision of this Agreement relating
to any such payments or benefits, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” 
 C. All expenses or other reimbursements as provided herein shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s policies in effect from time to time, but in any event, any expense or reimbursement
described in this Employment Agreement shall meet the following requirements: (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement provided to the Employee during any calendar year will not affect the amount of expenses eligible for
reimbursement to the Employee in any other calendar year; (ii) the reimbursements for expenses for which the 

  
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Employee is entitled to be reimbursed shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable expense is incurred; (iii) the right to
payment or reimbursement or in-kind benefits hereunder may not be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit; and (iv) the reimbursements shall be made pursuant to objectively determinable and nondiscretionary Company policies and procedures
regarding such reimbursement of expenses. 
 D. For purposes of Section 409A, the Employee’s right to receive any
installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g.,
“payment shall be made within sixty (60) days following the date of termination”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company. 

 

	8.	Notice. 

 All notices,
requests and other communications pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given, if delivered in person or by courier, telegraphed, telexed or by facsimile transmission or sent by express, registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: 
  

					
	If to the Company:	 		  	HVM L.L.C.
		 		  	11525 N. Community House Road, Suite 100
		 		  	Charlotte, NC 28277
		 		  	Attention: General Counsel
		 		  	Facsimile No.: (980) 345-1665
			
	If to Employee:	 		  	During the Employment Period, at his principal office at the Company (including designated facsimile number), and at all times to his principal residence or home facsimile number as
reflected in the records of the Company.

 Each party may change its address by written notice in accordance with this Section 8. 

 

	9.	Governing Law. 

 This
Agreement shall be governed by and enforceable in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts executed and performed within such state, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof. Except as
provided in Section 6.D. above, any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or any breach or alleged breach hereof, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration, conducted in New York City, New York,
before, and in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The costs of such arbitration shall be borne
equally by the parties thereto and each party shall bear such party’s own attorneys’ fees in connection with such arbitration; provided, however, that if the Employee is the prevailing party in any arbitration

  
 10 

 
arising under this Section, he shall be entitled to recover from the Company his reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred with respect thereto in addition to any other available
remedies. 
  

	10.	Successors and Assigns. 

This Agreement shall be binding upon Company’s successors and assigns. The term “Company” as used herein includes
such successors and assigns. The term “successors and assigns” as used herein means any person or entity that acquires all or substantially all of Company’s assets and business (including this Agreement) whether by operation of law or
otherwise. This Agreement, with respect to Employee, is for personal services, and is therefore not assignable. 
  

	11.	Severability. 

 To the
extent any provision of this Agreement or portion thereof shall be invalid or unenforceable, it shall be considered deleted therefrom and the remainder of such provision and of this Agreement shall be unaffected and shall continue in full force and
effect. 
  

	12.	Counterparts. 

 This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement. 

 

	13.	Entire Agreement. 

 This
Agreement constitutes the entire agreement by the Company and the Employee with respect to the subject matter hereof and except as specifically provided herein, supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between the Employee and the
Company with respect to the subject matter hereof, whether written or oral. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by the Employee and the Company. 

 

	14.	No Conflict. 

 The
Employee represents and warrants that Employee is not in default under, or in breach of, any agreement requiring Employee to preserve the confidentiality of any information, client lists, trade secrets or other confidential information or agreements
not to compete or interfere with any prior employer including, but not limited to, any employment agreement; and neither the execution and delivery of this agreement nor the performance by Employee of Employee’s obligations hereunder will
conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under, any confidentiality or non-competition agreement or any employment agreement to which Employee is a party or to which Employee may be subject. 

  
 11 

	15.	Attorney’s Fees. 

The Company agrees to promptly pay all fees and charges of the Employee’s attorneys reasonably incurred by the Employee in connection
with the negotiation and execution of this Employment Agreement. 

  
 12 

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date set forth above.

  

			
	HVM L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company
	By:	 	HVM Manager 2 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its manager
		
	By:	 	 /s/ Ty Wallach

	Name:	 	Ty Wallach
	Title:	 	Vice President & Secretary
	
	Jonathan Halkyard
	
	 /s/ Jonathan Halkyard

 Appendix A 
 RELEASE 
 Jonathan Halkyard (“Employee”) and HVM L.L.C. (the
“Company”), for and in consideration of the payments and benefits that Employee shall receive under the Employment Agreement dated as of September     , 2013 (the “Employment Agreement”), and in
consideration of the mutual consideration contained in the Employment Agreement, Employee and the Company hereby execute the following General Release (“Release”) and agree as follows (capitalized terms not defined below shall have
the meaning set forth in the Employment Agreement): 
 1. Employee understands and agrees that from and after the date of his
termination of employment with the Company, he no longer is authorized to incur any expenses, obligations or liabilities on behalf of the Company. 
 2. Employee, on behalf of Employee, Employee’s agents, assignees, attorneys, successors, assigns, heirs and executors, to, and Employee does hereby fully and completely forever release each of the
Company and those parties for which Employee has provided services in connection with his employment by the Company, including without limitation, their respective affiliates, predecessors and successors and all of their respective past and/or
present officers, directors, partners, members, managing members, managers, executives, agents, representatives, administrators, attorneys, insurers and fiduciaries in their individual and/or representative capacities (hereinafter collectively
referred to as the “Released Parties”), from any and all causes of action, suits, agreements, promises, damages, disputes, controversies, contentions, differences, judgments, claims, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings,
bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, variances, trespasses, extents, executions and demands of any kind whatsoever, which Employee or Employee’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns ever had, now have or may have
against the Released Parties or any of them, in law, admiralty or equity, whether known or unknown to Employee, for, upon, or by reason of, any matter, action, omission, course or thing whatsoever occurring up to the date this Release is signed by
Employee, including, without limitation, in connection with or in relationship to Employee’s employment or other service relationship with the Company or its respective affiliates, the termination of any such employment or service relationship
and any applicable employment, compensatory or equity arrangement with the Company or its respective affiliates (such released claims are collectively referred to herein as the “Released Claims”). 

3. The Released Claims include, without limitation, (i) any and all claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Civil Rights Act of 1971, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical
Leave Act of 1993, and any and all other federal, state or local laws, statutes, rules and regulations pertaining to employment or otherwise, and (ii) any claims for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, fraud, misrepresentation or any
compensation claims, or any other claims under any statute, rule, regulation or under the common law, including compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, costs, expenses and all claims for any

 
other type of damage or relief. The Released Claims shall not include any claims (i) to entitlements under the Employment Agreement dated as of September     , 2013,
(ii) for indemnification, advancement of expenses and other right to benefit from the exculpatory provisions pursuant under the organizational documents of the Company, or (iii) any right to accrued salary or vacation, or entitlements
under any employee benefit plan maintained by the Company. 
 4. This means that, by signing this Release, the Employee shall
have waived any right which the Employee may have had to bring a lawsuit or make any claim against the Released Parties based on the Released Claims. If any government agency brings any claim or conducts any investigation against the Company,
nothing in this Release forbids Employee from cooperating in such proceedings, but by this Release, Employee waives and agrees to relinquish any damages or other individual relief that may be awarded as a result of any such proceedings. 

5. Employee agrees to make himself reasonably available to the Company in connection with any claims, disputes, investigations,
regulatory examinations or actions, lawsuits or administrative proceedings relating to matters in which Employee was involved during the period in which Employee was an officer of the Company, and to provide information to the Company, and otherwise
cooperate with the Company in the investigation, defense or prosecution of such actions. 
 6. Employee represents that he has
read carefully and fully understands the terms of this Release, and that Employee has been advised to consult with an attorney and has had the opportunity to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Release. Employee acknowledges that he is
executing this Release voluntarily and knowingly and that he has not relied on any representations, promises or agreements of any kind made to Employee in connection with Employee’s decision to accept the terms of this Release, other than those
set forth in this Release. Employee acknowledges that Employee has been given at least twenty-one (21) days to consider whether Employee wants to sign this Release and that the Age Discrimination in Employment Act gives Employee the right to
revoke this Release within seven (7) days after it is signed, and Employee understands that he will not receive any payments due him under the Employment Agreement until such seven (7) day revocation period (the “Revocation
Period”) has passed and then, only if Employee has not revoked this Release. Upon such revocation, this Release and the provisions entitling him to future benefits under the Employment Agreement shall be null and void and of no further
force and effect. To the extent Employee has executed this Release within less than twenty-one (21) days after its delivery to Employee, Employee hereby acknowledges that his decision to execute this Release prior to the expiration of such
twenty-one (21) day period was entirely voluntary. 
 7. The Company does hereby fully and completely forever release
Employee from any and all causes of action, suits, agreements, promises, damages, disputes, controversies, contentions, differences, judgments, claims, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants,
contracts, variances, trespasses, extents, executions and demands of any kind whatsoever, which the Company, its subsidiaries, its successors or assigns ever had, now have or may have against the Employee, in law, admiralty or equity, whether known
or unknown to the Company for, upon, or by reason of, any matter, action, omission, 

 
course or thing whatsoever occurring up to the date this Release is signed by the Company, including, without limitation, in connection with or in relationship to Employee’s employment or
other service relationship with the Company or its respective affiliates, the termination of any such employment or service relationship and any applicable employment, compensatory or equity arrangement with the Company or its respective affiliates;
provided however that notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company does not hereby release the Employee for acts of fraud or willful misconduct, whether or not known to the Company at the date this Release is signed. 

 

	
	  

	Employee
	
	  

	Date
	
	  

	Company
	
	  

	Date

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