ORLANDO—Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive has completed a multi-million dollar renovation including the lobby lounge, guestrooms and 25,000 sq. ft. of newly constructed meeting space and outdoor venues.
The completed hotel renovation complements an expansive 100,000-sq.-ft. retail and dining development, I-Shops, taking shape on International Drive.
Beginning in 2012, the two-year renovation project at Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive touched every aspect of the property. Upon arrival, guests now pass under a grand porte-cochère before entering the fully remodeled lobby outfitted in a modernized palette by New York-based design firm Krause+Sawyer. Features include a chandelier custom-created by Neidhardt Lighting and warm tones of natural materials like wood, marble and tile that are juxtaposed by strong accents of black-and-white stripes and cheerful patterns. Designed to seamlessly transition from indoor to outdoor spaces, the lobby leads guests’ eyes to a connecting patio and beyond to the pool area. The lobby lounge offers seating areas with touches such as a selection of lifestyle, travel and design books and easily accessible power outlets to plug in to electronic devices. It also has a communal networking station.
The 613 guestrooms, laid out across several free-standing buildings on the resort’s grounds, feature contemporary décor that complements the lobby interior. Features include bed and desk furnishings in warm wood tones, crisp white linens accented by bold shots of poppy red and cool blue accessories, black-and-white area rugs and vivacious artwork. Each guestroom has been updated with True Blue Spa bath products and technological upgrades such as 40-in. flat-screen TVs and MP3 docking stations.
Guest accommodations vary across 13 different configurations, including the Florida Fun Suite. This family room concept offers a kid-friendly nook just off the main bedroom equipped with bunk beds, a bean bag chair and a wall-mounted TV.
The hotel’s meeting space renovation includes a new 25,000 sq.-ft. ballroom. Exterior renovations are near completion as well, with new landscaping on the Grand Lawn and new furniture on the decks of the resort’s heated outdoor swimming pools. Additional upgrades are set to take place throughout 2014. Cooper’s Hawk Winery, a new full-service restaurant offering modern casual dining and handcrafted wines, is scheduled to open by the fall.
International Drive’s redevelopment will culminate in a new $200-million entertainment complex just south of the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive. The complex includes restaurants, clubs, shops and three attractions operated by Merlin Entertainments: the 400-ft. observation wheel, the Orlando Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium and a Madame Tussauds wax attraction. Restaurants will open beginning in spring of 2014 with the main opening of the complex scheduled for spring of 2015.