A New Life for the Former Sheraton Closed by Hurricane Irene

July 04, 2013–ATLANTIC BEACH — Travelers aren’t the only ones benefiting from the reopening of Carteret County’s largest beachfront hotel.

Debra Peterson, owner of Coastal Crafts Plus at Atlantic Station, a shopping center near the new Double Tree by Hilton Oceanfront in Atlantic Beach, said each guest who stays at the 200-room hotel is a potential customer for local businesses.

She said the closing of the hotel, which was formerly a Sheraton, left a void in the community and it is nice to see it back in business.

It opened just in time for the July 4th holiday season, the height of the summer tourism season, but will also help bring visitors to the area throughout the year, Peterson said.

“Oh definitely, yes, it helps, especially in the winter and fall. When they do conventions and meetings it helps with the off season,” she said.

The Double Tree hotel opened its doors June 18, marking a new beginning for the hotel after sitting unused for nearly two years.

The former Sheraton closed in September 2011 following damage from Hurricane Irene and never reopened.

Newport Group Inc. of Augusta, Ga., which purchased the property for $4.56 million in a foreclosure sale in December 2012, renovated the hotel and reopened it under the new brand.

The real estate development and management firm also owns and operates the Double Tree by Hilton Riverfront in New Bern.

At Atlantic Beach, the hotel has been welcoming guests and is taking reservations for its banquet and meeting facilities. Molly’s beachside bar and grill is also back open.

“We are so excited to be a part of the Atlantic Beach community and to be open this July 4th holiday,” said Bobbie Stanley, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing.

Elizabeth Barrow of the Crystal Coast Tourism Development Authority said the hotel has many offerings for visitors and is a valuable part of the Carteret County economy, providing oceanfront lodging and facilities for meetings, weddings and large events.

“It’s a very popular area of the beach and we’re glad to see it open, and it helps the area businesses,” she said.

Contact Daily News reporter Jannette Pippin at 910-382-2557 or jannette.pippin@jdnews.com.