Tampa
- Tampa’s new Epicurean Hotel recently opened Evangeline, “a delectable spa,” featuring five treatment rooms, a relaxation room, manicure/pedicure stations and a special spa menu for men that includes a Hot Whiskey Scour massage and a Bern’s Bourbon on the Rocks pedicure. The 137-room, culinary-themed hotel was opened in collaboration with local legend Bern’s Steak House and is food-focused, with such special amenities as cooking demonstrations and wine tastings. In addition to 5,200 square feet of event space, the on-site Epicurean Theatre is a 32-seat culinary classroom hosting group events, classes and team-building activities.
- The Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina recently refurbished its hotel lobby and renovated and refreshed 50,000 square feet of meeting and venue space that includes 36 meeting rooms and a grand ballroom accommodating 2,000.
St. Petersburg/Clearwater
- Recently opened on St. Pete Beach, the Mediterranean-style Hotel Zamora offers 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, including a 1,200-square-foot ballroom and a private dining room.
- Slated for a fall 2015 debut on Clearwater Beach, the Opal Sands Resort will feature 230 rooms and suites, a full-service spa and fitness center and 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 5,500-square-foot event lawn.
- New on the horizon in downtown St. Petersburg: ONE St. Petersburg, a mixed-use project featuring a 174-room hotel tower and a second 253-unit condo tower. Groundbreaking on the $120 million project is scheduled for early 2016 with completion by 2018.
Sarasota
- Due to open this October is the Aloft Sarasota, with an expected 139 rooms and a prime downtown location within walking distance of local attractions and the city’s busy shopping and dining scene.
- Coming to downtown Sarasota and part of the Vue Sarasota Bay development is the 18-story Westin Sarasota, slated to open by August 2016 with 12,500 square feet of meeting space and a rooftop pool facility.