JEKYLL ISLAND, GA.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the opening of The Westin Jekyll Island, a 200-room, convention-class, beachfront hotel on Georgia’s acclaimed barrier island. It is one of six new Westin hotels opening in North America this year and follows the brand’s 200th opening worldwide in 2014.
“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, Vice President of Brand Management for Sheraton and Westin. “This spectacular new Westin hotel showcases all of the brand’s services and amenities designed to inspire wellbeing 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-square-foot 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, a nationally recognized real estate development company, and New Castle Hotels & Resorts, an award-winning, independent third-party hotel manager.
Part of Island’s Revitalization
“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.”
The five-story, U-shaped, beachfront hotel was designed by LLW Architects of Memphis, Tenn., to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, (LEED) Silver specifications and minimize the hotel’s impact on the barrier island’s sensitive surroundings. The 8,750 cubic yards of concrete used in the construction were sourced from a plant in Brunswick, Ga., only 15 miles from the site. Westin brand room design specifications also are 60 percent more sustainable than conventionally built guestrooms, providing a more healthful guest environment.
The Westin Jekyll Island 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.
Go to The Westin Jekyll Island.
