2. About two miles north of the convention center on I-Drive, Coco Key Hotel and Water Resort opened in late April 2010. The 391-room family-friendly hotel offers 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space in a casual, tropical setting. The centerpiece of the property is a 54,000-square-foot water park partially covered by a canopy, the only water park of its kind in Florida. In the near future, the hotel will be adding refrigerators and safes to all guest rooms.
3. The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress near Walt Disney World went for light and bright in the renovation of its 65,000 square feet of meeting space, completed in January. The rooms and common areas are bathed in fresh tones of teal and blue, accented with cream, and filled with new contemporary furniture and technology. The property has a 24,000-square-foot ballroom, a 17,000-square-foot exhibit hall, and more than two dozen meeting rooms.
4. In May, the Sonesta Hotel in downtown Orlando became the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown. The 341-room hotel overlooking Lake Ivanhoe completed a $10 million renovation of its guest rooms in early 2010, prior to the brand conversion. The property has 20,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and a 15,000-square-foot pool deck on the fourth floor. In the coming months, the hotel is updating technology, creating an executive level of guest rooms, and adding a business center and health club.
5. Also downtown, the former Marriott became the Sheraton Orlando Downtown in June 2010. Since then the hotel has completed a $4.5 million renovation of public areas and guest rooms, adding flat-screen TVs, and granite countertops. The property has more than 15,000 square feet of flexible function space, including 16 meeting rooms and a 5,000-square-foot ballroom. In the coming months the hotel will be adding the Sheraton Link in the lobby—combining the functionality of a business center with the ambience of a coffee shop.
6. In February, the Embassy Suites Tampa Airport-Westshore completed its first renovation in the property’s 24-year history. The project created a 3,500-square-foot terrace on the second floor, overlooking the hotel’s pool and fountain. The space is open but can be tented. The hotel’s lobby and restaurant were also renovated with new flooring, lighting, paint, and decor. Next on the renovation schedule will be updates to guest suites and new carpet and lighting for the 6,000 square feet of indoor event space.
7. In October, the Westin Tampa Bay on Rocky Point Island opened BluVu, an indoor and outdoor event space on the 16th floor of the hotel. The inside room is a 3,800-square-foot U-shaped room that can seat 140 or hold 200 for receptions. The adjacent 1,200-square-foot terrace can accommodate 60 people and offers sweeping views of Old Tampa Bay and the downtown skyline.
8. New carpet, paint, ventilation, and sound proofing were among the renovations completed in September at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Airport-Westshore. The hotel has 16,000 square feet of function space entirely on the first floor, including 14 meeting rooms and a 9,000-square-foot ballroom with a recessed stage. There is also a pool deck surrounded by tropical landscaping that can accommodate 80 people.
9. Between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway, the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa has 32,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. For a water view, the 4,000-square-foot Sky Terrace on the 16th floor can host 150 for receptions. Inside, the Aqualea Grand Ballroom is the largest space. It can seat 240 or hold 400 for a reception. The hotel opened in February 2010.
10. The SpringHill Suites Tampa North has two rooms suitable for executive meetings or training sessions. The Buccaneers Room can accommodate 40 people, while the smaller Rays Board Room can seat 12. The hotel has audiovisual equipment and catering options. The all-suite property opened in March 2010 and recently added a complimentary guest reception on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings.
