NATIONAL REPORT—Whether you’re in a galaxy far, far away or in the Southeastern U.S., there are new-build hotel projects underway. Here’s a closer look:
Disney Reveals Experiences at Hotels
At D23 Expo 2019, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek unveiled details on how Disney is bringing the next generation of immersive storytelling to life.
“It was Walt’s vision for our theme parks to be places where Disney stories come to life in amazing ways, and with the world’s most creative and talented team of artists and dreamers, there’s no shortage of inspiration,” Chapek said.
At Disneyland Paris, guests can extend their adventures at Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, opening next summer. The hotel will celebrate 80 years of Marvel art and artists, with more than 300 pieces on display. Rooms will include themed suites with superheroes like Spider-Man, and guests can meet these legends in a dedicated space.
Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge will be a distinctive hotel and proposed Disney Vacation Club resort drawing inspiration from the wonders of nature and artistry of Walt Disney.
In addition, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is planned for the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The hotel stay will be part of a two-night itinerary where all guests arrive and depart together, similar to Disney Cruise Line. Unlike any typical cruise, though, you can become the heroes of your own Star Wars story in a new type of immersive experience.
Guests will cruise the galaxy in style aboard the Halcyon, known for its service and exotic destinations, according to the company. Onboard, guests will stay in cabins, experience onboard dining, make a planet-side excursion to Black Spire Outpost on Batuu, and more. Throughout the journey, guests will be invited to delve deeper into their personal adventure by participating in onboard activities, interacting with characters, crew, other passengers they meet, and becoming part of the action and the broader Star Wars saga.
New AC Hotel Breaks Ground in Sunrise, FL
Global design and engineering firm Stantec marked the groundbreaking of the eight-story, 174-room AC Hotel by Marriot Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, FL, which is located on the grounds of the Sawgrass Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the United States. Developed by Norwich Partners, Stantec is the project architect, structural and MEP engineer of record, working in partnership with interior design firm Group One Partners.
The AC Hotel by Marriott Sawgrass Mills will be the first new hotel to be built in Sunrise in 15 years and the first AC Hotel brand in Broward County. The hotel will have a sleek, modern design with alternating textured panels alongside the windows to create visual interest in the repetition. The ground floor will be accentuated by a glass curtain wall with horizontal louvered elements on the upper portion to provide privacy. The hotel lobby will include an AC Lounge featuring a communal space with a full bar serving local beers and handcrafted cocktails and an outside terrace that makes the most of South Florida’s desirable weather. A landscaped walkway will lead guests to the mall’s high-end Colonnade Outlets and many nearby restaurants.
The hotel is scheduled for completion in 2020.
Constructions Underway for Embassy Suites Panama City Beach, FL
The St. Joe Company and Key International Inc. revealed that construction has begun on a 255-room Embassy Suites hotel in the Pier Park area of Panama City Beach, FL. It will be adjacent to the Pier Park lifestyle center at Front Beach Rd.
St. Joe and Key International, a Miami-based real estate investment and development company, intend to construct the hotel on land currently owned by St. Joe with unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico. Once complete, St. Joe will manage the day-to-day operations of the hotel. Plans call for the hotel to feature 255 guest suites, a pool, meeting space, a fitness center, an on-site restaurant and an upper-level, gulf-view social, catering and event space. Consistent with all Embassy Suites hotels, guests staying at this location will receive a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and a daily evening reception.
Virginia’s First My Place Hotel Breaks Ground
Virginia is getting its first My Place Hotel. The new-build, three-story, 64-unit hotel is being developed by MP King George LLC and will be located at 4235 Market Center Dr.
My Place King George is expected to open early next spring. Located off of James Madison Parkway, it will be accessible to a variety of dining and retail options.
