CLEARWATER BEACH, FLA.—Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), Page Development Group and Choice Hotels’ Ascend Hotel Collection announced the first ever Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club Hotel. With the conversion expected to be unveiled in the spring of 2020 and sitting on America’s number one beach with 91 rooms, this eco-friendly hotel will be dolphin and marine life themed, featuring the inspiring dolphin made famous by the Dolphin Tale movies—Winter.
“The opportunity to partner with Clearwater Marine Aquarium is unique and special,” said Page Development Group President Steve Page. “Our eco-friendly hotel will not only provide a great guest experience, but will generate revenue for CMA, enabling them to expand their marine life work which is near and dear to our family-owned company’s values.” Page continued, “We are excited to convert this hotel to a new brand with an extensive renovation and include the CMA mission.”
Page Development Group, the owner of this and three other hotels in the Tampa area, has a strong passion for the environment. After considering the environmental impacts of rebuilding versus refurbishing, Page opted to overhaul an existing hotel and reuse existing materials. For example, rather than purchase new doors, every room has a refurbished original door. Measures to protect marine life include sea turtle safe lighting, the elimination of single-use plastics, and even special window treatments to reduce energy use while minimizing the harmful effects of sun glare off the Gulf.
Ideal Partnership with CMA
“A Winter the dolphin hotel is sure to delight guests from around the world, especially those who come to Clearwater Beach to visit Winter at Clearwater Marine Aquarium,” said CEO, David Yates. “We’re confident that travelers will be attracted by the sustainability and opportunity to immerse themselves in marine life.”
Not only will guests feel good about the sustainability of their stay at Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club, they will be contributing to Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s nonprofit mission. Proceeds from each roomnight will go directly to the care, education, research and conservation of marine mammals through the work of CMA.
From the lobby to each guestroom, the entire facility will be themed with Winter and other marine life. The jetties at the beach are even shaped like dolphin tails. Additionally, a wild dolphin webcam will be available for guests to keep an eye on Clearwater’s active marine life.
