ST. PETE BEACH, FL – Two St. Pete Beach, Florida hotels will see nearly $30 million in improvements with one undergoing a rebrand, Benchmark, a global hospitality company. Grand Plaza Hotel and The Beachcomber – both owned by affiliates of Miami-based Gencom and operated by Benchmark – are set for transformative renovations that will deliver each of the gulf-front properties a fresh look and upgraded experience. Construction will begin this November and wrap by mid-
2021.
Grand Plaza will see significant changes to both its physical appearance and brand persona as the circa 1975 hotel launches into its latest iteration. Following a comprehensive remodel and rebranding, the property will reemerge as a vibrant, beach-chic destination. The resort’s public spaces and 156 guest rooms will be overhauled to complement Grand Plaza’s new vibe, while its four food and drink venues and catalogue of meeting and event spaces will also be enhanced.
A two-phased renovation at The Beachcomber will revitalize the more than 70-year-old property that is located just two miles north of Grand Plaza. All 102 guest rooms will get a floor-to-ceiling upgrade that embodies the laid-back charm of its coastal Florida location. Public areas – including the main lobby, lush courtyard, pool deck, and a new game room – are also slated in the plans. Indoor event space will be added to the hotel’s blueprint, shaping a new niche for The Beachcomber as a social and corporate event venue. The Beachcomber’s iconic Jimmy B’s Beach Bar, however, will be preserved.
“The beginning of this renovation period will mark the next step in Gencom and Benchmark’s long-term vision for these properties,” said Jay Rocha, Benchmark’s vice president of operations based locally in St. Pete Beach. “Our goal is to heighten the overall experience at both Grand Plaza and The Beachcomber to create a more modern setting from which our guests can enjoy everything we and the destination have to offer. We look forward to unveiling more as the process progresses.”
Grand Plaza Hotel is located at 5250 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706.
The Beachcomber is located at 6200 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706.
Tags: Grand Plaza Hotel, Benchmark
