Marriott International has opened its 9,000th property with the inauguration of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. The company marked the opening with a celebration on 16 August, complete with the signature St. Regis champagne sabrage, a ceremony where a saber is used to open a bottle. It took place in the resort’s Great Hall overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
The newest property occupies 18 acres in Longboat Key, Florida, and boasts 168 guestrooms, including 26 suites. In addition there are 69 private residences, all of which offer outdoor terraces and private elevator access and sold out in less than a year. According to press materials, guests can expect “breathtaking ocean views, outstanding culinary experiences, and world-class amenities, all reflective of the St. Regis brand’s signature distinctive design and exceptional service.”
Largest beachfront development in St Regis for over 50 years
The beachfront development by Unicorp National is the largest on the island in more than five decades, with designs from SB Architects, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA Miami) and Dutch East Design. Photographs reveal decor in muted ecrus and driftwood tones, a “speakeasy” style lounge bar, as well as a rooftop cocktail lounge where twinkling lamps complement the natural splendour of local sunsets.
“We are delighted to announce the opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key, a true testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury and personalized service,” said Anthony Capuano, Marriott International President and CEO. “It is particularly fitting that this magnificent hotel marks the 9,000th property in our portfolio. This exquisitely designed new build resort embodies the elegance and sophistication synonymous with the St. Regis brand. We are excited to invite guests and Residence Owners to experience this unique blend of modern amenities and timeless charm, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories for them in this stunning location.”
Who are the leading global hotel chains?
Marriott International styles itself as a global leader in luxury. It has a portfolio of seven brands, across 522 hotels and resorts in 72 countries and territories, and an additional pipeline of 233 projects contracted in 57 countries and territories. But amid what could be called “a race” between a number of hotel brands to open new hotels, with the Marriott Regis Longboat Key coinciding with Hilton opening its own 8,000th hotel, Skift has broken down the figures to help analyse this global leadership claim.
Skift found that Hilton, with 6.3% growth over five years, has “sustained the most rapid growth pace in property count among its peers”. Accor has made smaller but “notable” gains, while Hyatt has the biggest growth spurt (a remarkable 25%) of all the public hotel groups, but that is “a rise from a significantly smaller base.”
