Wyndham Denies Terms Of Broward County Project

FT. LAUDERDALE— Due to an inability to negotiate with Broward County officials, Wyndham International backed out of its plans to build a 500-room convention center hotel here with African American developer Donahue Peebles. “We have decided not to proceed with the project because it was not in Wyndham’s best interests,” said a spokesperson for the hotel chain. On July 10, Wyndham and Peebles met with local officials about the hotel development. “The County gave us a proposal at the meeting and said ‘take it or leave it,’” a Wyndham spokesperson stated. “We had issues with the proposal and expressed concerns. We then went back to our board to see if they would accept the County’s terms, and they were denied.” Wyndham had “three main points of contention that both sides couldn’t come to terms on,” the spokesperson said. First, Wyndham opposed adding a $4-per-night surcharge on all rooms that would go to the county to recoup its $11 million subsidy for the project. According to a previous report by the Miami Herald, Wyndham argued that the charge would put it at a disadvantage in the marketplace. In addition, there were disagreements between Wyndham and local officials over a parking garage that was to be built by the County. According a spokesperson, Wyndham had concerns over how many spaces it would have in the parking garage and what the hotel chain would have to pay for each space. Finally, the county was requiring that Wyndham stay with the deal for two years after the hotel opened, which was opposed by the hotel chain. “We were told on July 10 not to come back with any changes; that the deal was nonnegotiable, which is why we’ve broken all ties,” the Wyndham spokesperson said. However, the hotel chain is still interested in pursuing future developments in the Fort Lauderdale area, a market in which the brand currently has no representation. “We want to be a part of Fort Lauderdale. It would have been a wonderful opportunity and we’re disappointed with the outcome, but we’re still looking for other opportunities there,” the spokesperson added. Wyndham would also consider another deal with Peebles, who was described as “a great partner.” “It’s a disappointment for all parties involved. Now the county to has start all over,” the spokesperson said. –Diana M. Rodriguez