Waldorf Astoria Naples Transitions to an Independent Luxury Hotel
September 9, 2014
Northwood Hospitality has announced that the Waldorf Astoria Naples has been transitioned to the independently branded Naples Grande Beach Resort & Naples Grande Golf Course. An $18 million renovation and redesign of all 474 guest rooms and suites, three restaurants, beach area and common spaces is currently underway. The hotel will remain open and operational through the renovation, with the completion to be unveiled in January 2015.
“The decision to transition to an independent brand reinforces Northwood’s portfolio-wide strategic approach to owning and managing luxury properties in desirable markets and to better position our growing asset base,” says Jonathan Wang, managing director at Northwood Investors. “We have enjoyed working collaboratively with Hilton and look forward to future projects where the brand is a better fit,” adds Wang. “Northwood’s capital investment into the property is consistent with the company’s overall focus to provide distinguished and authentic hospitality experiences and luxury products in strong markets.”
“We see a tremendous opportunity within the unique characteristics and offerings of the resort,” says David McCaslin, president of Northwood Hospitality, which has owned the property since 2013. “In addition to the complete new design look of the rooms, the property enhancements include furnishing each guest room balcony to elevate the in-room experience, and customizing each of the three pools to bring a variety of aquatic offerings that exist alongside our secluded sunset beach which is accessed through a scenic and protected mangrove sanctuary. We are excited at the opportunity to create a new independent luxury brand that will deliver the same level of luxury and innovation that has become accustomed to the Northwood Portfolio,” stated McCaslin.
The new Naples Grande Beach Resort website, www.naplesgrande.com, launched on August 27. The resort has more than 83,000 sf of meeting and event space; five onsite restaurants and bars, three heated outdoor pools with a 100-foot waterslide, a full-service luxury spa, 8,000-sf fitness center, business center and an award-winning tennis facility with 15 courts.