The Westin Jekyll Island Center to anchor new convention complex
Wednesday, 22 February 2012 16:44
The Westin Jekyll Island Center to anchor new convention complex
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. have announced plans to open a Westin hotel in Jekyll Island, Georgia as a key element of the Jekyll Island redevelopment project.The owners and co-developers of the project, New Castle Hotels & Resorts and Jekyll Landmark Associates, expect to break ground on the new Westin this summer, with an anticipated opening in February 2014. The Westin Jekyll Island will feature 200 rooms, ample meeting facilities and the full suite of Westin signature amenities and services designed to help guests leave feeling better than when they arrived.
Offering breathtaking ocean views and direct beach access, The Westin
Jekyll Island will be located within the Jekyll Island Convention Center
Complex, a highly-anticipated, mixed-use development slated for
completion in February 2014. In addition to the new Westin hotel, the
complex will feature a 128,000-square-foot, fully renovated convention
center, a 45,000-square-foot ballroom, a variety of retail shops and a
beachfront promenade. Close to the National Historic Landmark District,
The Westin Jekyll Island will also be convenient to numerous golf
courses, miles of barrier island beaches, and a variety of outdoor
recreation including marsh eco-tours, dolphin watching and kayaking.
"We look forward to introducing Westin to Jekyll Island and we expect
that the strength of the Westin brand will draw large numbers of
travelers who appreciate the brand's emphasis on a renewing travel
experience," said Gerald Chase, President and COO of New Castle Hotels
and Resorts. "Another benefit of joining Westin is that we can tap into
the power of Starwood via the award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest
program.
"The Westin will have an outstanding location on the beach next to a
world class convention center, as well as strong partners and owners
with prior experience operating on Jekyll Island. When you have all
these strengths aligned, it makes for a winning hotel."
"Westin has emerged as a popular choice for owners and developers
seeking a high-caliber brand for mixed-use complexes and revitalization
projects like Jekyll Island," said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President
of North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
"Fueled by the success of its distinct positioning, Westin has expanded
its portfolio 30% over the past five years and plans to open another 30
hotels by the end of 2016."
