Jan. 18–DESTIN — What’s old is new again at the Hampton Inn and Suites Destin.
The hotel, which was built 20 years ago, recently reopened after an 18-month renovation that took the building down to its shell. The $16 million project turned the former two-story hotel where guests accessed their rooms from the outside into a three-story building with inside hallways.
“It is really an amazing transformation to be able to offer a higher-quality, better-caliber product to the travelers that come to Destin,” said Richard Butler, general manager of the Hampton Inn.
The third story includes a new fitness center with free weights, cardio machines and a view of the Gulf of Mexico.
The hotel also has more than 20 suites that feature more space for families than the average room.
“Everything’s driven to make this a really family-oriented hotel,” Butler said.
Even the outside underwent an extensive renovation. The old swimming pool was filled in and replaced by a courtyard. The courtyard, which stays open to guests at all times, was designed to have a resort-style setting.
A new outdoor pool was built in the back of the property in a former parking lot. The pool has a fountain and a “zero entry” feature, allowing children to wade into the water.
Reservations for the redesigned Hampton Inn are pacing well ahead of 2012’s levels, Butler said.
Mark Owens, sales manager for Chartwell Hospitality, said the Destin Hampton was one of the top locations before the renovation. He expects that to continue with the renovations and additions.
“We’re arguably the closest hotel to the beach in Destin,” Owens said. “In terms of being a family-friendly (hotel) to get across the street to the beach, this is a prime location.”
Chartwell Hospitality owns the Hampton, along with the Wingate by Wyndham hotel behind Big Kahuna’s and the Destin Comfort Inn, which is undergoing its own renovation and will transition to a Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites in March.
