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The Luce, St. Pete Beach's Newest Coastal Retreat Now Accepting Reservations for March 2026 Opening

The Luce, a highly anticipated new addition to St. Pete Beach's vibrant shoreline, is now officially accepting guest reservations for stays beginning March 15, 2026. With 200 stylish accommodations- including a selection of bungalow studio suites- The Luce offers a playful yet polished retreat designed for both relaxation and celebration. Now part of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio, The Luce, owned by LCP Safanad, is being transformed from a St. Pete Beach classic boutique hotel into one unforgettable getaway, capturing the charm of SPB and seamlessly integrating the distinctly Floridian experience that celebrates the endless sunshine, eclectic culture and laid-back sophistication of Florida's Gulf Coast. In celebration of its launch, The Luce is offering 3,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for every stay booked. Marriott Bonvoy Members can take advantage of the offer by using promo code S2449 when reserving their stay anytime from now until March 31st.

The Luce, St. Pete Beach's Newest Coastal Lifestyle Retreat to Welcome Guests Early 2026

The highly anticipated new addition to St. Pete Beach's vibrant shoreline, The Luce, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is set to make its debut early 2026. Owned by The LCP Group, helmed by CEO Francis Lively, and managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts, the hotel serves as the newest addition to the Tribute Portfolio brand, the growing collection of characterful, independent hotels from Marriott Bonvoy. With 200 stylish accommodations, including a selection of bungalow studio suites, The Luce will offer guests a playful yet polished nine acre beachfront retreat designed for both relaxation and celebration.

Sirata Beach Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida Completes $25 Million Renovation to Guest Rooms and Suites

The beloved Sirata Beach Resort announces the completion of its $25 million guest rooms and suites renovation, as well as the lobby and fitness center. Owned and managed by Columbia Sussex, the Sirata Beach Resort will transition to a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property once Phase II of the renovation is complete. The Tapestry Collection is comprised of independent boutique hotels, each rich in cultural charm and deeply connected to its destination.

New resort opens on America's #1 Beach: Bellwether Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida

Bellwether Beach Resort opened on August 13th in St. Pete Beach, Florida as the destination's newest independent beachfront hotel and the first in more than ten years. Housed inside an iconic tower that's been a fixture on St. Pete Beach since the 1970s, Bellwether debuts as a trendsetter in this award-winning destination with its bold design, unmatched dining experiences, and elevated services.

Florida’s Historic Don CeSar Unveils Full Property Renovation Concluding Three-Year Restoration

Florida's iconic Pink Palace®, The Don CeSar, has officially unveiled its highly anticipated, multi-million-dollar renovation dramatically enhancing and expanding the historic, award-winning resort. Managed by Davidson Resorts , The Don CeSar's top-to-bottom renovation embraces its 93-year history as a beloved Gulf Coast icon while seamlessly fusing modern amenities, sleek design and world-class experiences to set the tone for generations of visitors to come.

Thomas Fraher has been appointed as General Manager at The Don CeSar

The Don CeSar, widely known as Florida's iconic Pink Palace®, and its sister property the Beach House Suites, proudly welcome Thomas Fraher as the new General Manager Fraher will oversee budgets, daily operations, sales and marketing efforts, and lead the 92-year old landmark through its multi-phased renovations which will conclude at the end of the year.

Christina Mackey has been named Director of Human Resources at Grand Plaza Hotel and The Beachcomber, St. Pete Beach, Florida

BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has appointed Christina Mackey director of human resources for the Grand Plaza Hotel and The Beachcomber, both Benchmark Resorts & Hotels properties located in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Jan McCormick, managing director for both properties, made the announcement. Christina Mackey previously held the position of executive human resources director for Remington Hotels of Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida. Earlier she served as director of human resources for the Wyndham Hotel Group in the greater Pittsburgh area. Ms. Mackey resides in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Jim Koutsky has been named Director of Finance at Grand Plaza Hotel and The Beachcomer

Jim Koutsky was most recently director of finance for Benchmark's Stonewall Resort of Roanoke, West Virginia. Previous to this he served as chief financial officer for Visionary Destin, a resort and property management company located in Destin, Florida.Mr. Koutsky has also held the position of corporate controller for Callaway Gardens Resort of Pine Mountain, Georgia, and served in leadership positions in finance at Amelia Island Plantation, and with Hyatt Hotels.He is a graduate of Southern College, located in Orlando, Florida. Mr. Koutsky resides in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

Michael Molloy has been appointed as Executive Chef at The Don CeSar

The Don CeSar, the landmark property on the white sand beaches of St. Pete Beach, Fla., announces the appointment of Michael Molloy as Executive Chef. Molloy, who began his career at The Don CeSar 15 years ago, comes full circle to lead the culinary team of the 277-room historic hotel. In his new role, Molloy oversees all aspects of The Don CeSar’s food & beverage program, ensuring culinary excellence across the hotel’s restaurants, including the award-winning Maritana Grille, as well as the property’s lounges, in-room dining and banquet offerings. He will also lead the reinvention of the culinary program of sister property, Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar. Prior to his return to The Don CeSar, Molloy served as executive chef of the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. His resume also includes positions at the AAA Four Diamond Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place in Jupiter, Fla. and Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Fla. where he helped oversee the renowned deep blu seafood grille, focused on local produce and sustainable seafood, at both properties.

Angela Meeker has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at The Hotel Zamora

The Hotel Zamora, St. Pete Beach’s premier waterfront boutique hotel, welcomes hospitality and culinary expert Angela Meeker as Director of Food & Beverage. In her role, Meeker will oversee daily operations of the hotel’s food and beverage division, including the Castile Restaurant, just in time for the grand opening of its rooftop lounge.

Ilija Manevski has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at The Hotel Zamora

The Mediterranean-inspired The Hotel Zamora, which debuted last summer as St. Pete Beach's first new hotel in more than 20 years, welcomes Ilija Manevski as Director of Food & Beverage. In his role, Manevski will oversee daily operations of the hotel's food and beverage division, including Castile Restaurant, named one of Tampa Bay Times' "Top 50 Restaurants" for 2015.

Kim Eustance has been appointed as Senior Sales Manager at The Hotel Zamora

After officially opening its doors last month, the stylish, Spanish-influenced The Hotel Zamora introduces the dynamic executive team at the helm of the area’s first new hotel in more than two decades. Eustance brings more than 15 years of hospitality sales experience to The Hotel Zamora. Living in St. Pete Beach for more than a decade, she is well versed in the destination’s tourism trends. Most recently, Eustance was sales manager for the Loews Don CeSar Hotel, where she was repeatedly awarded Loews Hotels’ Superstar status for outstanding achievement. As senior sales manager, Eustance coordinates all meetings, event and room block sales to create unique group experiences and maximize revenue potential.

Chad Ingram has been appointed as Director of Rooms at The Hotel Zamora

After officially opening its doors last month, the stylish, Spanish-influenced The Hotel Zamora introduces the dynamic executive team at the helm of the area’s first new hotel in more than two decades. Ingram’s resume includes tenures at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort and most recently, the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale, where he was director of front office operations. At The Hotel Zamora, Ingram manages guest services, including valet, concierge, housekeeping and communications, to provide the best possible guest experience.

Tom Robertson has been appointed as General Manager at The Hotel Zamora

After officially opening its doors last month, the stylish, Spanish-influenced The Hotel Zamora introduces the dynamic executive team at the helm of the area’s first new hotel in more than two decades. Robertson’s hospitality management skills are a product of his 27+ years of experience in luxury properties, which include the Grand Heritage Hotel Group, Sonesta International Hotels Corporation and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. In his career, Robertson has trained hundreds of employees on best practices related to sales and marketing strategies and guest services. At The Hotel Zamora, Robertson oversees staff management, leads financial strategy and coordinates with the property’s sales team to drive new and repeat business.

Kenny Hunsberger has been appointed as Executive Chef at Loews Don CeSar

Restaurant industry veteran Kenny Hunsberger has been appointed Executive Chef of the newly renovated Loews Don CeSar Hotel. With more than 25 years of hotel food and beverage experience, Chef Hunsberger will oversee all culinary aspects at Florida’s legendary “Pink Palace.” Hunsberger joined Loews Hotels & Resorts in late 2010 as Executive Sous Chef. Under his leadership, he supervised renovations of both the Sea Porch and the Four-Diamond Maritana Grille. During his tenure at Loews Don Cesar, the Maritana Grille has been named “One of the top 200 restaurants in Florida” by Florida Trend, “One of the top 10 seafood restaurants in the US” by Gayot, “Exceptional Restaurant of Florida” by Gourmet, most recently, a 4 ½ out of 5 stars review from Creative Loafing-Tampa.

Stephen Cummings has been appointed as General Manager at Loews Don CeSar

The recently renovated Loews Don CeSar Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Cummings as general manager. With 22 years of hotel experience, including 13 with Loews Hotels, Stephen takes the helm of Florida’s legendary “Pink Palace” in the heart of St. Pete Beach.In 1999, Stephen joined Loews Hotels & Resorts as executive chef of Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, California. He quickly advanced to be the director of food and beverage and eventually was promoted to director of rooms. Stephen then moved to Loews Ventana Canyon Resort as executive assistant manager, taking the number two spot at one of Tucson’s most beautiful golf resorts. From there, he was promoted to general manager of the Loews Denver Hotel, where oversaw all of day-to-day hotel operations along with sales and marketing.

Travis Johnson has been appointed as Vice President of Marketing at TradeWinds Sandpiper Suites

The TradeWinds Island Resorts recently promoted Travis Johnson to vice president of marketing where he will be responsible for all marketing initiatives both inside and outside the company. In this position, he oversees the in-house ad agency, develops the marketing budget, coordinates all community sponsorships and oversees the marketing services, public relations and promotions staff. Johnson, who has been with the TradeWinds for 11 years, most recently served as the general manager for the TradeWinds Sandpiper Suites. Johnson began his career at the TradeWinds as an intern and moved into several roles in the company including director of recreation/activities, guest service manager and director of resort operations/services. A native of Canada, Johnson attended Bemidji State University and graduated with degrees in mass communication and sport management studies. He currently serves on the board of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce.