Florida heats up with new and renovated properties

New hotels in the Sunshine State include a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property in Aventura and an AC Hotel in the capital city of Tallahassee, while a Jacksonville Courtyard by Marriott has been renovated.

SERENA Hotel Aventura opens
SERENA Hotel Aventura, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a 10-story boutique hotel has opened in the Aventura Medical District, with a rooftop entertainment area and pool with 360-degree city views.

The property features 100 guestrooms, 30 of which are suites outfitted with separate living areas, kitchenettes, dining tables and bathrooms including a separate shower and tub. Standard guestrooms offer seating areas with sofas along with work desks.

F&B outlets include Mediterranean-Spanish-inspired restaurant Cielo Rooftop & Lounge and SERENA Hotel Café, which offers indoor and outdoor seating. Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness center and a meeting room.

AC Hotel in Tallahassee makes its debut
Downtown Tallahassee has welcomed a new hotel as the AC Hotel Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol has opened. The property is located in Cascades Park, a 24-acre park featuring an amphitheater, shopping, dining and recreational activities.

The hotel has 150 rooms and four suites with complimentary WiFi, smart TVs and a modern work desk. It also features seven meeting rooms with 34,432 sq. ft. of total meeting space, the AC Kitchen, the AC Lounge and a fitness center.

Jacksonville Courtyard gets a new look
The 137-guestroom Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Butler Boulevard, managed by Crestline Hotels & Resorts LLC, has completed a $5-million renovation which included new contemporary exterior design featuring wood cladding, designer lighting and residential-style landscaping. Inside, all guestrooms, public spaces, meeting facilities and guest amenities—including the fitness center, outdoor pool area and The Bistro—have been refreshed and completely updated.

Jacksonville’s Center State Bank provided the renovation financing. The hotel is located in Jacksonville’s Southside business district and is near downtown Jacksonville, the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, the Mayo Clinic and local beaches.

Guestrooms are upgraded with new furnishings including sofa beds, desks and a contemporary navy and gold abstract wall design. Each bathroom now includes either a walk-in shower or a shower/tub combo with slate tile, and TVs are upgraded to a 55-in. wall-mount unit.