NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla.—Driftwood Hospitality Management announced the completion of a nearly year-long renovation program at the Hilton Tampa Downtown. More than 400 members of the local community, including Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, got a look at the property during a grand reopening celebration and ribbon cutting on Oct. 17.
The 520-room Hilton Tampa Downtown, formerly a Hyatt, was purchased by Driftwood in late 2012, with plans for a complete hotel transformation. The company invested $13 million to redesign the property, from guestrooms to public spaces and the addition of an array of new amenities.
“Tampa is a market that continues to show tremendous growth potential,” said Mike Diaz, chief operating officer of Driftwood Hospitality Management. “We are confident that with its ideal location, an entirely new look and dynamic new guest amenities, the Hilton Tampa Downtown will thrive for years to come, attracting all types of travelers.”
As part of the renovation, the guest lobby experience has been redesigned to include a new Technology Lounge with Mac computers and executive-style chairs. All 500-plus guestrooms have been refreshed, now offering new furnishings and a more modern color scheme. Guestrooms also feature the Hilton Serenity Bed by Serta, and bathrooms have been restyled using granite and marble. In addition, all guestrooms now feature a spacious work area with WiFi and an iHome stereo with an iPod docking station, as well as mini-refrigerators and coffee makers.
Driftwood also revamped the hotel’s food and beverage program. The hotel now features one of the largest full-service Starbucks in Tampa. The 211 Lounge (a nod to the hotel’s location at 211 North Tampa Street) provides an open-air feel with plasma screen TVs as a backdrop, featuring premium wines and liquors at a spacious bar. The 211 Restaurant serves up fresh, locally inspired fusion cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with indoor and outdoor seating options.
In addition, the hotel features a rooftop sundeck, outdoor whirlpool, heated outdoor pool, complimentary 24-hour fitness center and 24-hour business center. More than 30,000 square feet of flexible function space is also available to business or social groups.
