Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
For new hotels, 2018 anticipation is building
Some South Florida hotel developers are observing key construction milestones this month for projects set to open within the next few years.
These new hotels and others in various stages of development show that investors are eager to grab a slice of the region’s still-vibrant tourism industry.
Among those marking the start of construction are Morlin Hospitality Group of Miami, which will host ground-breaking festivities late Wednesday for its second hotel in Coconut Creek, a 105-room Residence Inn by Marriott.
The original groundbreaking for the approximately $21 million, six-story hotel at 5730 N. State Road 7 had been anticipated by end of 2016.
On Monday, Morlin’s President and CEO Seth Fellman said that finalizing permits for the property took longer than expected, which led to the delay.
Fellman said he is enthusiastic about reaching starting the project given the demand he’s seen in the city for hotel accommodations.
“I feel incredible. The market needs [this hotel] terribly,” Fellman said.
Morlin’s first property in Coconut Creek was a 105-room Hampton Inn & Suites at 5740 N. State Road 7, which opened in June 2014.
That hotel has done “extremely well” since it opened, pulling in high occupancy rates and average daily room rates, Fellman has said.
In addition to staples of the Marriott-branded extended stay hotel, the new Residence Inn will offer laundry facilities and business centers on every floor, several Jacuzzi suites and a water-themed play area on the pool deck, Fellman told the Sun Sentinel in 2016. It will also have a lake and waterfall on the property.
On Oct. 16, Driftwood Acquisitions & Development (DAD) of Coral Gables will break ground at 11 a.m. on a new 150-room Canopy by Hilton in West Palm Beach at 704 S. Dixie Highway.
The Canopy hotel will feature a rooftop pool, lounge and two restaurants, according to DAD, an affiliate of North Palm Beachbased Driftwood Hospitality Management.
The new $50 million lifestyle hotel will also offer guests complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast and bicycle access, mobile check-in and evening tastings of local beer, wine and spirits, according to the developer.
On Oct.19, Samar 202 Florida LLC will celebrate the start of construction on its downtown Delray Beach mixed-use project — 236 Fifth Avenue. The four-story development will offer 35 luxury residences and a 122-room Aloft Hotel with street level retail space and parking.
Work on the project at 236 S.E. 5th Ave, officially started in September, a spokeswoman for the developer said.
Next Friday, Oct. 20, Wurzak Hotel Group of Philadelphia will mark the topping off of its 323-room Tribute Portfolio-Element dual-branded hotel in downtown Fort Lauderdale in a small celebration for its crew, a spokesman said.
The 24-story project at 299 N. Federal Highway is comprised of
“I feel incredible. The market needs [this hotel] terribly.”
Seth Fellman, CEO, Morlin Hospitality Group
The Dalmar, a 209-room boutique hotel and a 114-room Element by Westin.
Martin Wormull, The Dalmar’s managing director said Monday the ceremony planned for noon is a gesture of appreciation to the construction workers for reaching this crucial stage.
Signature aspects of The Dalmar will include a rooftop lounge, coffee bar on the ground floor and an infinity pool with landscaped deck and a garden relaxation area.
Meanwhile, the Element’s natural light-filled rooms will feature modular furniture, full kitchens and spa-inspired bathrooms, according to the developer.
The hotels are scheduled to open some time toward the end of the second quarter of 2018, Wormull said.