As St. Pete/Clearwater obliterates tourism records, hotel developers are breathing new life into timeless landmarks with renovations and redevelopments from the beach to downtown. Here’s a rundown of the current projects to get excited about!
Following a $30 million renovation, the historic 1920’s-era jazz icon opened its doors in scenic downtown Dunedin. The Mediterranean-style waterfront building has been transformed into a member of the Marriott International Autograph Collection, featuring 83 rooms, HEW Parlor and Chophouse and Hi-Fi rooftop bar, which overlooks the St. Joseph Sound. Inspired by the hotel’s unique history, the new Fenway Hotel embraces the past with a modern feel.
Located in the heart of downtown St. Pete’s urban core, the select service Hyatt Place is perfect for those looking to be steps from museums, nightlight and dining. The 15-story, 175-room hotel is part of a larger mixed-use development called One St. Petersburg – St. Pete’s tallest building – which includes a 41-story condominium tower and extensive retail.
Originally built in 1897 by Henry Plant, the 35-room Belleview Inn is a charming and meticulous reimagining of the “White Queen of the Gulf” – the historic Belleview - Biltmore Hotel. Located adjacent to the Inn, guests are invited to experience Florida’s first golf course, which features two 18-hole Donald Ross courses.
Located directly on the pristine Gulf Coast waters, the resort unveiled a $15 million complete transformation in late 2018. The full resort redesign includes a major makeover to the 382 rooms and suites, and transformation of the existing two pools into a single, resort-style beachfront oasis with a Kid’s Splash Zone, private cabanas and hanging chair garden. Upgraded dining options, as well as meetings and events facilities are all part of the total overhaul to the guest experience.
One of downtown St. Pete’s most treasured landmarks received a $50 million renovation and enhancement to nearly every aspect of the resort and Snell Isle golf club facility/course. At the main resort, guests will enjoy enhanced amenities including the swimming pool, expanded Vinoy Salon and Day Spa, fitness center, tennis courts and dining facilities – namely the addition of the new marina front restaurant, Paul’s Landing. In addition, all rooms and interior spaces in the tower building were transformed to reflect the glamour of the 1920’s while incorporating modern amenities.
The 287-room resort concluded an extensive, multi-million-dollar renovation to its guest rooms, meeting and event spaces, and public areas. Guests will now enjoy a more modernized hotel incorporating updates to improve the overall guest experience, including refreshed interior décor and furniture, the addition of new room types, new food and beverage options like a 24-hour market, technology charging stations, and more.
Standing as an icon of Clearwater Beach for nearly four decades, the legendary nine-story resort recently unveiled a more modern design after a multi-million-dollar renovation. The transformation was designed to capture the energy and evolution of Clearwater Beach including a new bi-level open lobby, front entrance, all newly renovated meeting rooms and brilliant LED lighting systems throughout. This impressive remodel follows an expansive $20 million renovation that was completed in June 2017, which included all new guest rooms, multiple interior upgrades, two new pools, a new restaurant, new spa, new fitness center and a newly opened Starbucks.
As part of a $13 million room renovation to both TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach, all 374 guest rooms at TradeWinds Island Grand will have a new upscale, yet colorful Florida vibe by the end of 2020. From the updated furniture featuring splashes of color to new carpeting complemented by fresh paint in soothing colors of the sea, the new rooms offer even more reasons to explore the largest beachfront resort on St. Pete Beach and one of the largest playground on the Gulf Coast.
Following the resort’s 90th anniversary, Florida’s iconic “Pink Palace” received upgrades to its grand ballroom, fifth-floor meeting spaces and guest room corridors. The design refresh provides a glamorous sense of place while paying homage to Founder Thomas Rowe’s favorite opera, “Maritana,” for which he named the 277-room hotel after the male lead, Don Cesar. From artwork, carpeting and paint schemes to lighting, drapery and furniture, the design transformation is invigorated by the hotel’s beachfront location.
Located half a mile down the beach from the legendary “Pink Palace,” The Don CeSar’s sister property transformed its lobby, public spaces and meeting rooms in a coastal-cool color palette. To serve as an extension of the collection’s 70 residential-inspired, one-bedroom suites and its modern beachfront setting, the redesign of the Beach House Suites’ multi-functional lobby draws inspiration from the property’s surrounding environs. Taking cues from the beach sand and sea, the property’s two meeting rooms, pre-function area and unisex bathroom were also revamped in a coastal-cool color palette.
The largest resort on Florida's west coast is getting bigger! TradeWinds plans to add a new 12-story hotel and parking garage called Sugar Sands to its sprawling property on St. Pete Beach. It will include 217 tourist rooms, an 810-space multi-story parking garage, a spa and fitness center, a bar, reception area and more. Expected opening date is still TBD.
