JEKYLL ISLAND, GA—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has opened 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.
“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, VP 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-sq.-ft. 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. and New Castle Hotels & Resorts.
“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.”
All 200 guestrooms are outfitted with the Westin Heavenly; the Heavenly Bath, enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly Shower, Heavenly Robe and exclusive White Tea Aloe bath amenities; in-room, high-speed Internet access; and an ergonomic work space.
Dining options at The Westin Jekyll Island include The Reserve, an upscale, casual restaurant serving local seafood, and Salty’s poolside bar and café for cocktails and lighter fare. Harry’s @The Reserve, the hotel’s outdoor rooftop bar, features views of the beach and ocean, and Westin SuperFoodsRX options are on the menu at all three restaurants.
The Westin Jekyll Island offers 5,260 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art meeting and banquet facilities, as well as outdoor venues. Additional facilities include a resort-style outdoor pool; the Tangent at Westin workspace; 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, TN, and 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.