Hilton beats out Marriott to build a long-delayed 1,000 room upscale hotel for the Broward County Convention Center.
A major reason behind the win was the promise of an iconic waterfront tower, says the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
“A tale that began in 1989 now has a happy ending,” said Nicki Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.
County analysis of the two competing proposals priced Hilton’s hotel as $100 million less than Marriott’s: $398.2 million compared with $506.8 million.
The convention center hosts about 280 events a year and relies on as many as 50 hotels to provide rooms to meeting attendees.
Tourism officials have long maintained that the lack of an on-site hotel has driven away business. Some of the largest conventions have also said they will not return because of the lack of a convenient place to stay.
Hilton’s plan is for a 27-story building with all rooms having a view of the Intracoastal Waterway.
The hotel is to include an infinity-edge pool overlooking the water, outdoor dining and a 12,000-square-foot spa. Visitors would arrive at the hotel by circling around the fountain in front of the convention center.
Hilton executives projected opening in mid-2011 with room rates averaging $224 in the first full year of operation.
Report by David Wilkening
