Resorts undergoing a Rejuvenation!
Florida's resort properties are world-renown for their luxurious amenities and tropical surroundings. In lieu of new construction, many of the state's fabulous accommodations have chosen rejuvenation over restructuring.

During your next escape, revisit some of your favorite hotels and resorts and see what's new!

[Sarasota] Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency Sarasota announced in November 2007, an enhancement, which is planned to bring a new level of design and services to their guests.
Situated in a resort-like setting, the 294-guestroom hotel offers an ideal location for both the leisure and business traveler.
In the heart of the cultural Arts District on Florida's west coast, overlooking the peaceful waters of Sarasota Bay, the 11-storey hotel also features a 32-slip marina with slips for guest use.
Hyatt Sarasota visitors will experience a new relaxed, yet elegant design including new guestrooms furnished with signature Hyatt Grand Bed™, 32-inch LCD flat-screen televisions, expanded work stations and iPod® docking stations.
All guestrooms will have new carpet, flooring tile, and lighting upgrades as well as newly designed guest bathrooms, and sliding doors on all balconies.
For meetings, the hotel offers 20,000 square feet of meeting space including, a new 2,000-square-foot meeting room overlooking the pool and marina, new carpeting and state-of-the-art technology throughout. In addition, the two hotel restaurants will be renovated.
The rejuvenation is scheduled for completion March 2008.
800-233-1234 | www.hyatt.com

[Key West] Beachside Resort & Convention Center
From the moment visitors arrive at this seven-acre Key West hotspot, the details and special attention each guest receives is reminiscent of another age. Here, luxurious resort services, amenities, and a sun that never sets on hospitality complement the laid-back island lifestyle of Key West.
The property designed by award-winning architect Thomas E. Pope, graciously welcomes residents and guests into a grand two-storey lobby, featuring an elegant gathering bar and fine dining restaurant. From there, paths lead on to lush tropical gardens surrounding Key West's most exciting waterfront swimming pool.
The property, once a Holiday Inn, underwent a $125 million re-design and reconstruction to become the independently owned luxury resort it is today. Beachside's construction spanned from July 2005 until the resorts recent opening on October 19, 2007.
305-296-7920 | www.beachsidekeywest.com

[Miami] Fontainebleau Miami Beach
A landmark since opening in 1954, Fontainebleau Miami Beach is undergoing a $1 billion expansion/renovation scheduled for completion and re-opening in July 2008.
Incorporating a spectacular blend of Miami Beach's golden era and the ultimate in contemporary luxury, the oceanfront complex will feature 1,504 guest accommodations, including 846 rooms and suites in the two original Fontainebleau buildings and more than 650 junior, one- and two-bedroom suites in two new, luxury all-suite towers.
The 22-acre Fontainebleau Miami Beach will deliver unforgettable guest experiences with 11 restaurants and lounges, including signature dining establishments by award-winning chefs; two chic, energetic nightlife venues; a two-storey, 40,000-square-foot spa, expansive poolscape, magnificent beach, and extensive meeting facilities.
To complete the massive transformation, the original Fontainebleau hotel buildings, including guest rooms, public spaces and facilities, were stripped to steel studs and bare concrete. The pool area and surrounding grounds were totally razed. Now, a team of world-renowned architects and designers are restoring many of original architect Morris Lapidus' signature elements and using them as inspiration to create the most dynamic destination resort on the Eastern Seaboard.
305-538-2000 | www.fontainebleau.com

[St. Augustine] The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village
World Golf Village is nearing completion of an impressive $10 million renovation. The project includes the complete remodeling of all 301 guest rooms and suites, dramatic changes to the resort's lobby atrium, remodeling of the restaurant and bar, new lighting throughout the public spaces, remodeling of all guest room corridors, enhancements to the main ballroom and meeting offerings, and even the addition of a new "signature scent." The renovation of the Northeast Florida resort is slated for completion by the end of January 2008.
"There's not a part of the resort that isn't being touched by this multi-million dollar upgrade," said Mark Schwantner, general manager of the award-winning resort.
The entry of the resort will boast beautiful new flooring, wood-wrapped columns, and accents of the Florida citrus colors. Probably the most dramatic change to the atrium will be the addition of a new 7-storey modern hanging sculpture that captures the wind and air elements, reminiscent of open Florida skies.
In addition, the lobby will feature new conversational seating areas, which will also be positioned near the resort's bar. The bar is being remodeled, and will feature a large center-standing TV, with new furniture in colors of vibrant red and orange with accents of bright green. The adjacent restaurant will boast a picturesque full-length wine wall, as well as colorful new furniture, warm wood tones, and new lighting.
The resort's 26,450-square-foot St. Augustine Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 2,700 guests for receptions or 3,000 for theater-style, will get new carpet and wall finishes. The resort is also adding flex-back chairs for all meeting space.
800-WGV-GOLF | www.wgv.com

[Lake Buena Vista] - Regal Sun Resort Inside the Walt Disney World Resort
The Regal Sun Resort completed the final component of its $25 million property-wide renovation with the opening of its beautiful new pool/aquatic playground in February 2008.
The previous pool area was doubled in size, and the resort's "Oasis Aquatic Playground" now features a clover leaf-shaped pool with gradual beach entry, scenic rock formation, and interactive water features for the kids. The new pool area also features a second heated pool, lush landscaping, and large hot tub on a raised platform, which overlooks both the pool and picturesque lake.
Every aspect of the resort has been touched by the renovation project, which included remodeling all 626 guestrooms and suites, the lobby, the restaurants, and lounges, the 19,000 square feet of meeting space, and guestroom corridors.
Onsite offerings include Disney Character Breakfasts, discounted Disney tickets, two tennis courts, a basketball court, and poolside restaurant and bar.
800-624-4109 | www.regalsunresort.com

[Universal Orlando} Loews Royal Pacific Resort
The world's first Jurassic Park-themed hotel suites are making their debut at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, offering guest accommodations that integrate the adventures of Universal Orlando's theme parks into the hotel experience. Featuring raptor's cage headboards, custom wall murals, artwork from the making of the movies and Jurassic Park-themed furniture, these suites offer privacy for mom and dad, with a separate room for the kids decorated in the Jurassic Park theme.
In addition to creating the Jurassic Park-themed kid's suites, the hotel has also completed renovations on all guest rooms and other suites in a design motif that reflects the warmth, beauty and charm of the South Pacific. The new look is all-at-once fresh and inviting, but rooted in the romantic notion of travel that is celebrated throughout the AAA Four Diamond resort.
888-430-4999 | www.loewshotels.com