JW Marriott Opens Second Orlando Resort; More Debuts

NATIONAL REPORT—Hotel openings in the southern part of the U.S. include two properties in Orlando, FL, a dolphin-themed property and one of the first new-build Park Inns in the country.

JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
The JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa has opened in Orlando near Walt Disney World. The 516-room property, the brand’s second location in the Central Florida city, offers amenities such as the 10,000-sq.-ft. Spa by JW and a rooftop terrace.

Inspired by its natural surroundings, the expansive JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa has been designed to promote a sense of wellness and relaxation, according to the brand. Design elements include  indigenous woods, wicker, reeds and stone features in the lobby and guestrooms and suites.

Other offerings include more than 50,000 sq. ft. of event space; several F&B outlets, including Sear + Sea steakhouse, UnReserved food-hall-style restaurant and the JW Market; a fitness room; and an outdoor pool.

Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club
Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club, part of Choice Hotels International Inc.’s Ascend Hotel Collection, has opened in Clearwater, FL. The dolphin- and marine life-themed hotel is the result of an extensive renovation of an existing Choice hotel. It is managed by McKibbon Hospitality.

The 91-room beachfront hotel offers an outdoor pool with beach cabana rentals, as well as two on-site restaurants, Cabanas Coastal Grill and Cabanas Beachside. Guestrooms include complimentary WiFi, a refrigerator, a microwave and a Keurig coffeemaker.

As part of owner Page Development Group’s commitment to sustainable practices, Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club is CMA-certified with measures to protect marine life including sea turtle safe lighting, the elimination of single-use plastics and special window treatments to reduce energy use while minimizing the harmful effects of sun glare off of the Gulf.

Element Orlando Universal Blvd
The extended-stay Element Orlando Universal Blvd has opened at ICON Park in Orlando. The eight-story hotel features 165 guest suites with a focus on sustainability, wellness and the active traveler.

The  studio and one-bedroom suites offer fully equipped, energy-efficient kitchens with full-sized Energy-Star rated appliances. Standard room kitchenettes feature microwaves, mini-fridges and toaster ovens. All guestrooms and suites include 55-in. LCD TVs with access to Netflix; ergonomic workspaces; free WiFi; spa-inspired bathrooms; and signature Heavenly Beds.

Owned, developed and operated by Peachtree Hotel Group, amenities include the Rise breakfast bar; Relax complimentary cocktail reception; Restore Pantry; an outdoor natural saline pool; and the Motion Fitness center.

Park Inn by Radisson Florence, SC
Park Inn by Radisson Florence, SC, has opened as one of the first new-build properties for the brand in the U.S. The hotel features 60 guestrooms and suites with mini refrigerators and free WiFi; an on-site game room; and a snack shop in the lobby, as well as a fitness center, indoor pool and patio with a fire pit. 

The hotel is located near Florence’s downtown area. Nearby attractions include Beaver Creek Golf Club, Timrod Park, the Florence County Museum and Darlington Raceway.