Hotels Spruce Up Here and Abroad

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Throughout the U.S. and overseas, hotels are reimagining spaces and adding new experiences for guests. Here’s a closer look at some of the recent renovations:

Caribe Royale Orlando Plans for $125M Phased Renovation
Caribe Royale Orlando, an all-suite convention hotel located in central Florida, has revealed that it’s in the midst of a $125 million phased renovation that will include a complete renovation of all of its one-bedroom suites, the addition of a grand ballroom and a new lobby featuring extensive lighting upgrades and a new arrival experience. Construction has commenced on the ballroom and completion is expected in spring 2021.

Phased renovations to Caribe Royale’s 1,215 one-bedroom suites will focus on only one of the resort’s three towers at a time to eliminate disruptions for guests. Designed in a classic Floridian style inspired by the Captiva Island-based works of American painter and graphic artist Robert Rauschenberg, the complete suite renovations will involve all hard and soft goods, from floors to bathrooms to window treatments to light fixtures, plus enhancements to guest-preferred amenities. The new 50,000-sq.-ft. ballroom will bring Caribe Royale’s total meeting space to 220,000 sq. ft.

Omni Las Colinas Hotel Completes $13M Renovation
Omni Las Colinas Hotel in Dallas, formerly Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas, has completed a $13 million renovation to various common space amenities including The Lakehouse Waterfront Lounge, a new resort-style poolscape and lounge area, as well as three new dining concepts including LRH Restaurant & Bar; Flossie’s; and Over the Counter. The transformed spaces provide a fresh, elevated guest experience incorporating a new name to match the refreshed contemporary design elements seen throughout the common areas. The goal of the renovation was to elevate the hotel as a destination within the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Design updates include brass accents and neutral tones that represent the strong Texan culture.

Renovations Completed at Holiday Inn Express on Hunter Army Airfield
Lendlease, a public-private community development company, has completed renovations on the previous Landmark Inn and is now branded the Holiday Inn Express on Hunter Army Airfield, an IHG Army Hotel in Hunter Army Airfield, GA. Hotel renovations include 74 newly branded exterior entrance Holiday Inn Express guestrooms, a new guest fitness facility, laundry facility, an updated business center, new pavilion with picnic tables and grills and renovations to the hotel’s lobby. Additionally, the hotel was updated with a new entryway and all new interior finishes and furniture throughout. The breakfast area was renovated to a full Express Start breakfast bar, a signature amenity of the Holiday Inn Express brand.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet Reveals Transformation
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is embarking on a hotel-wide transformation. International travelers and local clientele can look forward to inspired designs driven by storytelling, meaningful experiences as well as Istanbul’s rich culture and history, furthering the hotel’s journey as a luxury experience in the Old City. Surrounded by views of the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the Blue Mosque and Marmara Sea, the hotel offers a quintessential location for exploring Istanbul’s deep heritage, according to the brand. Next spring, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet will re-emerge with a totally fresh look while keeping its intimate residential feel and honoring the city’s ancestry.