TAMPA, Fla. (February 10, 2020) – At a ribbon cutting ceremony today, Tampa-based Mainsail Lodging & Development officially announced the opening of The Karol Hotel (2675 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, Florida).
Centrally located in beautiful Feather Sound between Clearwater, St. Pete and Tampa, The Karol features 123 guest rooms and suites; the signature K Club Bar & Bistro; Vantage Rooftop Bar overlooking Tampa Bay, which is expected to open the end of February; a combined 7,340 square feet of event space, including a ballroom and executive conference rooms; and an outside pool and fitness center. The first member of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio to open in Pinellas County, Florida, The Karol Hotel is named for and inspired by Karol Kelly Bullard, “Miss Karol K,” wife of Fred Bullard, CEO of The Bullard Group, developer and owner of the property.
“Our vision for The Karol Hotel has become a reality, with a spectacular finished product that beautifully captures the spirit of hotel owners Fred and Karol Bullard,” said Adam Duffey, General Manager of The Karol Hotel. “We’re grateful for all the tremendous work and support behind the project, allowing us to introduce the crown jewel of Feather Sound.”
Celebrating the serendipity that first brought Karol and Fred Bullard together, The Karol embodies the couples’ timeless personality and style, Florida roots, and unique story. A towering tribute to Miss Karol K, the hotel’s design and décor are a stylish reflection of her remarkable life – from her early days as Miss Florida and Florida’s first “weather woman” to her current role as community activist and philanthropist.
The new boutique hotel’s guest rooms and suites are dressed in a rich and pleasing palette of white marble, tawny beige, gray, and bold accents of clear Florida sky blue carpet with an abstracted feather motif. Calm and soothing, each room is infused with a quiet intimacy and adorned with heirloom-quality furnishings that were hand-selected by Fred and Karol, along with the latest technology for guest comfort and connectivity. Their eclectic personalities shine through in bronze and black accents of lighting, mirrors and artwork.
Guests of The Karol Hotel have ample options to explore their culinary curiosity – from a signature restaurant and lobby bar, to a rooftop bar overlooking Tampa Bay. Located on the first floor of the hotel right off the lobby, K Club Bar & Bistro features New American cuisine and crafted cocktails inspired by the fresh flavors of the Florida coast and travels of the Bullard’s. Inspired by Fred’s love of storytelling, the K Club Bar captures the ethos of his favorite place, New York’s Polo Bar, while weaving in his personal touches and famous tales. K Club Bistro is open for breakfast (Monday – Friday 7 to 11 a.m.), lunch (Monday – Friday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), dinner (Sunday – Thursday 5 to 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday 5 to 11 p.m.) and brunch (Saturday – Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). K Club Bar is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Making its debut the end of February, the hotel’s Vantage Rooftop Bar is unlike any other in the area. Sipping cocktails in climate-controlled comfort, guests can enjoy light bites 12 stories high, while taking in stunning views of downtown Tampa and more.
The Karol Hotel is located just 12 minutes from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), and 20 minutes from Tampa International Airport (TPA). Reservations for The Karol Hotel can be made directly on the hotel’s website, TheKarolHotel.com, or through Marriott.com/TPATC.
For more information on The Karol Hotel, visit TheKarolHotel.com.
