NATIONAL REPORT—Properties are now open or in the works in the Sunshine State. From beachfront properties to on-site waterparks, here’s what to know:
Loews Hotels & Co. Expands in Orlando, FL Market
Loews Hotels & Co., in partnership with Universal Orlando, expands its hotel portfolio in Orlando, FL.
“We continue to make deliberate and optimistic investment in additional hotels in Orlando, while also finding opportunities for growth in many key markets around the U.S.,” said Chairman/CEO Jonathan Tisch. “Loews Hotels & Co. has $2 billion invested in hotel developments at Universal Orlando Resort as well as in other markets around the country, including Arlington, TX; Kansas City, MO; and St. Louis—and there’s even more to come.”
In Orlando, Universal’s Aventura Hotel will open this August, while the new Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, made up of Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites, will begin opening in 2019 and be fully open in 2020. At that point, Loews Hotels & Co. will co-own and operate 9,000 hotel rooms in the Orlando market.
Summit Hotel Properties Opens Hyatt House in Orlando, FL
Summit Hotel Properties Inc. has opened the 168-room Hyatt House Across From Orlando Universal Resort. The upscale, extended stay hotel is located near the company’s existing Hyatt Place hotel, Universal Orlando Resort and Volcano Bay waterpark.
The total construction cost for the Hyatt House hotel was $32.7 million, or approximately $194,500 per key, excluding land, and the company expects the hotel to contribute $1 million of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for real estate during the remainder of 2018.
Westgate Resorts Adds Cocoa Beach, FL Location
Westgate Resorts has opened the first upscale all-suite resort in Cocoa Beach, FL. Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort is an all-two-bedroom Polynesian-themed oceanfront resort located near the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier on Orlando’s closest beach. Formerly known as Wakulla Suites, Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort has undergone a $15-million renovation which includes full upgrades to the property, including its 120 two-bedroom suites, hotel lobby, courtyard and pool.
The hotel also has Wakulla Falls, a new tropical-themed waterpark. Additional amenities include a variety of beach concierge services, outdoor pool, game room, beach volleyball court and more. The resort’s on-site dining outlets include Aloha Tiki Bar and Beachside Café.
Selina Little Havana Sets Roots in Miami
Selina is set to open its first Miami location in Little Havana this September. Selina plans to open at least four Miami locations in the next two years. Bringing to life the Tower Hotel, which had been left dormant, the 62-room Selina Little Havana is currently being designed in collaboration with local Miami artists and designers.
Each Selina location is modeled around three key pillars: Nomad, which includes accommodations, co-working spaces and communal areas like wellness centers and cinemas; Explore, an inter-property travel concierge and tour operator that connects guests with experiences in each location; and Playground, each location’s unique on-site programming from local food & beverage concepts, to concerts, live art events and workshops.
