From multimillion-dollar overhauls to new-build stunners, the hotel industry is brimming with head-turning projects. Here is a look at some of the most interesting design projects on the horizon.
Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa: Olshan Properties recently announced a $40 million transformation of the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa in Marco Island, Fla. Set on 10,000 square feet of beachfront property, the resort will increase its key count to 310 with the addition of 16 brand new one- and two-bedroom suites on the 11th floor penthouse level and seven newly developed lanai junior suites with private lounges and direct pool access on the ground level. Other upgrades will include a new restaurant, a new indoor/outdoor bar, and 12,000 square feet of remodeled meeting space. The resort will temporarily close its doors in June to expedite the project schedule and ensure the grand reopening in the fall.
Monte Carlo Resort: The Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas will undergo a $450 million transformation that will touch every aspect of the property. MGM Resorts International and New York-based Sydell Group will partner to redesign Monte Carlo’s guestrooms and food and beverage offerings, creating two distinct hotel experiences in the process: a new luxury hotel named Park MGM and a Las Vegas version of Sydell’s NoMad Hotel. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2018.
Fairmont Austin: The new $350 million, 37-story luxury hotel, which offers direct access to the Austin Convention Center, recently revealed a sneak peek at its guestroom design. Inspired by Hill Country landscape, the 1,068 guestrooms and suites will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, 9-foot ceilings, and a blue, white, and honey beige color palette. Amenities will include five epicurean venues, two heated swimming pools on the seventh floor rooftop terrace, a full-service salon and spa, a fitness center, and 106,000 square feet of meeting space. The property is slated to open in summer 2017.
 Margaritaville Resort Orlando: Margaritaville has revealed plans for a new, $750 million destination resort in Orlando, Fla. Encore Capital Management is developing the 320-acre waterfront property, which will include a 175-room Margaritaville hotel, 1,000 Margaritaville-themed vacation homes, 300 timeshare units, 30,000 square feet of function space, 200,000 square feet of retail space, and a 12-acre waterpark. The resort is set to open by the end of 2017.
 Hotel Covington: Based in Covington, Ky., Hotel Covington is a multimillion-dollar renovation and restoration of the 1910 Coppin’s Department store. Managed by Aparium Hotel Group, the property will feature 114 guestrooms, 4,700 square feet of meeting and event space, and a restaurant serving up both Northern and Southern culinary classics when it opens this summer. Other highlights include a 1,400-square-foot “glass box” dining atrium and a 40-seat lobby lounge.
