JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today announced the opening of the Westin Jekyll Island, a 200-room, convention-class, beachfront hotel on Georgia’s barrier island. It is one of six new Westin hotels opening in North America this year, and follows the brand’s 200th opening worldwide in 2014.
“The Westin Jekyll Island is a terrific new addition to the Westin brand’s growing portfolio and provides a restful retreat for travelers on one of the most beautiful barrier islands in the United States,” said Bob Jacobs, vice president of brand management for Sheraton and Westin. “This spectacular new Westin hotel showcases all of the brand’s services and amenities designed to inspire well-being within close proximity of the area’s premier convention facility, as well as a variety of attractions.”
The Westin Jekyll Island is the cornerstone of Jekyll Island’s Beach Village project, which includes an oceanfront promenade, village green, restaurants, upscale boutiques, Great Dunes Park, and the 128,000-square-foot Jekyll Island Convention Center — the only beachfront convention center in the southeast. The hotel is owned by Jekyll Oceanfront Hotel, LLC (JOFH), a joint venture comprised of several investors including Leon N. Weiner & Associates, Inc, a real estate development company, and New Castle Hotels & Resorts, an independent third-party hotel manager.
“This hotel was purpose built to be a catalyst in the revitalization of Jekyll Island,” said Dave Curtis, president of Leon N. Weiner and Associates. “Coupled with the convention center, the Westin Jekyll Island makes this cherished barrier island a best-in-class destination and a first-choice option for meeting planners who prefer to keep their meetings in state, or within the region.”
“Jekyll Island is known for its thoughtful stewardship of the island’s environment and its storied past,” said David Buffam, CEO of New Castle Hotels and Resorts. “That’s why the Westin brand, with its emphasis on well-being and careful handling of natural resources was the only choice for this one-of-a-kind project. I know that this combination of location, premium convention facilities, and well-chosen hotel brand will resonate with leisure travelers and meeting planners in search of a destination that satisfies the mind, body and soul.”
Offering ocean views and direct beach access, the Westin Jekyll Island provides all of the brand’s signature amenities and services. All 200 guestrooms are outfitted with the Westin Heavenly Bed. In-room, high-speed Internet access and an ergonomic work space are also featured.
Dining options at the Westin Jekyll Island include The Reserve, an upscale, casual restaurant serving fresh local seafood, and Salty’s poolside bar and café for cocktails and lighter fare. At Harry’s @The Reserve, the hotel’s outdoor rooftop bar, guests can observe views of the beach and ocean. Westin SuperFoodsRX options are on the menu at all three restaurants.
The property offers 5,260 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and banquet facilities, as well as outdoor venues. Additional facilities include a resort-style outdoor pool, the flexible, Tangent at Westin workspace, where groups of four or more can collaborate, and the brand’s signature WestinWORKOUT gym experience, including loaner gear and a running concierge.
The five-story, U-shaped, beachfront hotel was designed by LLW Architects of Memphis, Tennessee, to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver specifications and minimize the hotel’s impact on the barrier island’s sensitive surroundings. The 8,750 cubic yards of concrete used in the construction were sourced from a plant in Brunswick, Georgia, only 15 miles from the site. Westin brand room design specifications also are 60 percent more sustainable than conventionally built guest rooms, providing a more healthful guest environment.
The Westin Jekyll Island is just minutes from the island’s National Historic Landmark District and close to the island’s four golf courses, 10 miles of barrier island beaches and a variety of outdoor recreation, including marsh eco-tours, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and more than 20 miles of bike paths and kayaking waterways.
