These Hotels Are Sporting New Looks

NATIONAL REPORT—Hotels and resorts are undergoing restoration projects, full-scale transformations, and more. Here’s a at recent renovations:

La Concha Resort Unveils $15M Renovation

In San Juan, Puerto Rico, the La Concha Resort—which was first opened in the late 1950s during the Tropical Modernism movement—unveiled a $15 million renovation of the 235 guestrooms of its original tower.

The new design by Jorge Rosselló nods to the mid-Mod character of the original building, evoking passive cooling through tropical lighting and a color scheme of fresh blues, creams and whites. The rooms feature furniture designed also by Rosselló and artwork that emerges from a brick diamond (“quiebrasol”) sourced from the original walls. As part of the transformation, the Ocean Tower will also feature five new Corner Suites, each with a spacious living room and balcony area with floor-to-ceiling windows complete with views of the sky and sea, providing guests with a classic Puerto Rican indoor/outdoor living concept.

Coinciding with its 60th anniversary, additional renovations to the property include a refreshed lobby, new oceanfront bar Marena, and The Loft rum bar and restaurant by Chef Adam Torres. The new adults-only pool and oceanfront cabanas project a playful oasis while unique activations, including cooking workshops, cultural tours, Wine Yoga, promote wellness.

The Resort at Coco Beach Opens Following Transformation

Situated in Puerto Rico’s Rio Grande, the new Resort at Coco Beach, a Hyatt-affiliated hotel, opened in August to reveal an oceanfront haven that pulses Caribbean elegance on a secluded 72 acres of tropical gardens. Framed against the backdrop of the island’s northeast coast and the magnificent El Yunque National Forest, the 579-room property is expected to rebrand as Hyatt Regency Coco Beach Resort later this year, following the completion of brand enhancements and updates.

“The Resort at Coco Beach was designed to embrace and nurture the mind, body and soul,” said Dave Johnson, chairman/CEO at Aimbridge Hospitality. “We aim to center on the guest’s experience and look forward to providing the ultimate escape for each of our guests.”

Formerly known as the Gran Meliá Hotel, the property was acquired by Monarch Alternative Capital in partnership with Royal Palm Companies and an affiliate of Aimbridge Hospitality LLC. in 2019, following Hurricane Maria, the Resort at Coco Beach then underwent an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation.

Renaissance Gets Revamp in Nashville, TN

Dallas-based, full-hospitality firm Premier Project Management transformed the Renaissance Nashville Hotel and Convention Center, a 1985-era hotel into a contemporary space that reflects the spirit of Nashville, TN and city’s renowned music scene.

Redesigned for a whole new breed of traveler, the new hotel showcases the fresh, young, rhythmic spirit and fashion of today’s Nashville, TN by combining elements of the city’s heritage in a modern and unexpected way, according to the company. Embracing the brand language of high and low finishes throughout, the “maker aesthetic” was juxtaposed with more refined finishes to create an eclectic but elegant atmosphere.

Creating unexpected moments throughout the Renaissance Nashville was key; introducing design features such as wall swing benches, a gold denim wall sculpture, braided rope sculptures, custom retro microphone sconces, and a rotating wood-block art installation allowed the space to feel more like a local hangout, creating an experience on-par with the city’s elite hangout spots.

The Sinclair is Reimagined

Originally built during Texas’ oil boom in the 1930s, The Sinclair pays homage to its original tenant, Sinclair Oil. Over the years, the building has housed thousands of working Texans before undergoing a restoration in 2015 that’s evolved the icon into a forthcoming boutique hotel opening this fall.

The 17-floor, 164-room property was restored and redesigned, by renowned Dallas-based design firm Forrest Perkins, in partnership with Dallas-based Merriman Anderson Architects, to retain the building’s signature “ZigZag Moderne” structural styling. The finished Sinclair eloquently couples the Art Deco style of the Gilded Age with contemporary, cutting-edge technology that redefines traditional hospitality. Examples include Kohler DTW + Digital Showers, Savvy Electric Touchscreen Mirrors that can order your room service, and custom LG 8K Wallpaper TVs in each room.

Renovation Underway for Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, NC

Great Wolf Lodge has begun a multimillion-dollar renovation that will bring the resort a more contemporary design inspired by the company’s newest properties. The planned refurbishment will be the most extensive since the resort opened in 2009.

The renovation effort, which began on August 25, includes a complete, top-to-bottom transformation of all 402 guestrooms, grand lobby, corridors and stairwells. Guests visiting the resort after the $7-million refurbishment can expect a transition from the classic, rustic log cabin look in the rooms, to more of a modern Northwoods lodge feel with dark wood tones mixed with bright and airy accents.

The resort’s family-favorite 80,000-sq. ft. indoor waterpark, attractions and eateries will remain open and fully operational during renovation efforts, which is set to be completed by late fall 2019.

Renovation, Rebranding Underway for The Drake Oak Brook

In November, Autograph Collection Hotels will debut The Drake Oak Brook after undergoing a multimillion-dollar top-to-bottom renovation and rebrand.

Plunged into the limelight as a hotspot for celebrities and royalty since its opening in the 1960s, the four-story landmark is paying homage to past guests including Prince Charles, Frank Sinatra and golf legends Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Now, it will unveil a vintage-inspired hotel with 154 new rooms, restaurant, retro-themed bar with gramophone record player and vinyls, lounge inspired by Frank Sinatra with antique photo booth, fireplace library featuring past U.S. presidents’ favorites, fitness center, tennis courts and 10 acres of gazebos, fountains and more.