Hotel renovations make old into new
Spots in Vegas, Florida, New Orleans spiffed up
Many hotels across the country are starting the new year off with a fresh look.
From reimagined lobbies to new restaurants to updated rooms, hotel operators are hoping the new year brings more clientele. Here are few of the most recent notable hotel renovations.
Sirata Beach Resort, St. Pete Beach, Florida
This seaside resort on Florida’s Gulf Coast has just completed a $15 million transformation.
Before the renovation, the resort had only one pool. Now it has two with the building of the south pool, which has cabanas and sun loungers. Guests can order food and drinks while listening to live bands.
Sirata Beach Resort’s Rum Runners Bar & Grille has reopened with a new open lounge area for sunset watching. It has new Adirondack chairs, cocktail tables and a fire pit. The resort added a breezeway walking path lined with private lanais.
Renovations at the resort, built in the 1950s, began last year with the redesign of its 382 guestrooms and suites, the renovation of the north pool, a Sprouts Kid’s Splash Zone, and upgraded meetings and event space.
“The modernized design, new lounge areas and activities will create an even better beachside destination for families, weekend getaways, celebrations, honeymooners and more,” says Jeff Abbaticchio, director of marketing at Sirata Beach Resort.
Windsor Court Hotel, New Orleans
A $15 million renovation has resulted in a new rooftop bar, more modern rooms, and a refreshed ballroom at the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans.
All 316 guestrooms and suites were redone. The hotel now has the Waterman Poolside Bar overlooking the 65foot saltwater pool. All public spaces, including hallways, have gotten a refresh. La Chinoiserie, the 3,700-squarefoot ballroom on the hotel’s top floor, also has had a makeover.
“By updating and upgrading our furnishings, color palette and bathrooms, our guest rooms and corridors are brighter, more vibrant and refreshing,” says Ralph Mahana, general manager of the hotel.
Guestrooms and suites have new furniture, including living and dining room chairs, custom-designed coffee tables, re-upholstered leather headboards with reading lights, full-length dressing mirrors, Tempur-Pedic sleeper sofas and residential-style bedside tables with charging stations.
Bathrooms have marble and glass door shower enclosures to replace outdated shower curtains, and accessories from Restoration Hardware and Arteriors.
Premium suites have fully stocked mini-bars and additional mini-refrigerators for personal items and medicines.
On the 23rd floor, the ballroom La Chinoiserie has new carpeting, drapery, paint and foyer furniture. The Club Level lounge has also gotten a reboot.
This renovation follows a $22 million restoration in 2012, which included the addition of The Spa at Windsor Court.
CANVAS Hotel, Dallas
Formerly known as NYLO Dallas South Side, CANVAS Hotel Dallas has opened after a top-to-bottom renovation with loft-like rooms, a new rooftop lounge and pool, a lobby restaurant, and redesigned meeting and event spaces.
Created and managed by INTRIGUE Hotels & Resorts, the CANVAS hotel emphasizes art and design.
“CANVAS is nestled in an eclectic neighborhood undergoing a renaissance,” says Jack Matthews, president of Matthews Southwest, lead developer and co-owner of the property.
The first-level lobby and restaurant have common social spaces. The hotel has 76 art-filled suites and guestrooms with a loft-style design and decor, 10- to 15-foot high ceilings, concrete flooring, exposed brick, and industrial elements and fixtures. Rooms will continue to be renovated in 2019.
The hotel now has two art-themed restaurants and lounges. The rooftop bar, which had been known as SODA, has been redesigned and renamed The Gallery Rooftop Lounge. It has a 270degree view of the Dallas skyline.
El Cortez Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
The El Cortez Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas has gone through many owners and renovations since opening in 1941.
It has just completed its latest makeover, with the debut of its renovated Tower Premium rooms. The refreshed guestrooms have a modern design with black and white floor tiles, traditional style rugs, carved wood details and modern accent furniture.
Each floor features custom Las Vegas-inspired murals by local artist ORFIN near the elevators. They also have artwork showcasing some of the classic signs from the city’s Neon Museum in its halls. Each floor has a different color.