St. Petersburg’s Sirata Beach Resort Completes $25 Million Renovation and Debuts as a Tapestry Collection by Hilton

• Historic St. Petersburg was founded in 1888 by John C. Williams, who purchased the land, and Peter Demens, a Russian-born aristocrat who brought the Orange Belt Railway to the area. Demens named the city after his hometown, while Williams named his first hotel after his birthplace, Detroit
• Incorporated in 1892, St. Petersburg quickly grew into a popular Gulf Coast destination, its warm climate drawing visitors from across the country. The city’s waterfront became its heart, and in 1889 the first pier was built, a simple wooden structure that evolved over decades into iconic landmarks. The Million Dollar Pier, completed in 1926, became both a symbol of progress and a gathering place, anchoring the city’s identity as a vibrant seaside community
• Sirata Beach Resort’s history is as captivating as St. Petersburg’s own. The Don CeSar was acquired by the federal government in 1942 and converted into a military hospital and convalescent center during World War II, and after the war it became a regional headquarters for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs until 1969. Its calm waters and welcoming climate made it an ideal place for injured service members to rest, recover, and heal. The US government later sold the land today known as the “Hotel District” on St. Pete Beach to private developers
• Born in the golden age of travel, Sirata Beach Resort has welcomed generations of guests to Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1960s. Originally built as the El Sirata motel and expanded by the Nicklaus family over the decades, the resort grew alongside St. Petersburg’s rise as a beloved vacation destination
• A favorite destination for generations of travelers since opening in the 1960s, the resort recently completed a $25 million transformation. Renovations include upgraded guest rooms and suites, a redesigned lobby and fitness center, refreshed restaurants and bars, and enhanced pool and outdoor gathering spaces
• Sirata Beach Resort is one of the newest properties to join the Tapestry Collection following an extensive renovation. The boutique beachfront resort offers an authentic coastal experience that is refined and personalized while maintaining a relaxed, welcoming charm
• Inspired by the spirit of St. Petersburg, the resort's design reflects the area's warmth, vibrancy, and sense of possibility. From its sun-filled spaces and waterfront setting to its inviting atmosphere, Sirata captures the laid-back character and hospitality of the surrounding community.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following a $25 million renovation, the beloved Sirata Beach Resort has unveiled refreshed guest accommodations, enhanced dining venues, upgraded wellness facilities, and reimagined outdoor gathering spaces. The transformation marks a new chapter for the resort as it joins Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a portfolio of independent boutique hotels celebrated for their unique personalities and deep ties to the communities they call home.

The resort is located on Florida's picturesque Gulf Coast, where the vibrant city of St. Petersburg meets the white-sand shores of St. Pete Beach. Nestled between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, the property offers contemporary coastal accommodations, genuine beachfront hospitality, and elevated yet approachable experiences. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, diverse dining and beverage options ranging from casual to upscale, and the rare convenience of stepping directly from their room or poolside retreat onto the resort's private stretch of beach.

Renowned for its year-round sunshine, award-winning beaches, and thriving arts and cultural scene, St. Petersburg seamlessly combines the laid-back charm of a beach destination with the energy of a vibrant waterfront city. Just minutes from downtown's acclaimed museums, restaurants, galleries, and waterfront parks, the resort enjoys a premier location directly on St. Pete Beach. Set along sugar-white sands and the tranquil waters of the Gulf, the property offers spectacular sunset views, direct access to swimming and watersports, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Here, guests can unwind by the shore while remaining connected to the culture, cuisine, and creativity that define the destination.

Brad Cochran, General Manager, stated: “We are excited to share the renovated Sirata with both returning and new guests and are proud to be the newest member of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. From business travelers and multi-generational families to couples, solo travelers, groups of friends, and destination wedding guests, our beachfront setting, convenient location, and authentic hospitality continue to be among the many reasons guests choose to visit—and return again and again.”

Guest Rooms and Suites:

The refreshed guest rooms and suites draw inspiration from the destination's sun-drenched climate, white-sand beaches, gentle Gulf breezes, and tranquil waters that have made the resort a cherished vacation destination for generations since the 1960s.

The design blends clean lines, natural textures, and understated color contrasts to create a warm, contemporary coastal aesthetic. Meticulously selected furnishings and soft goods balance refined simplicity with bold, sculptural forms, resulting in spaces that feel both sophisticated and inviting.

All 228 guest rooms, including 80 suites—many offering beach or bay views—have been fully renovated to reflect this updated design vision. The comprehensive transformation includes new furniture, fixtures, and furnishings, complemented by contemporary details and playful accents that enhance the resort's relaxed beachfront character.

Abundant natural light fills each guest room and suite, where a palette of sandy neutrals is complemented by artwork inspired by the Gulf Coast's sunsets and seascapes. Accents of ochre, terracotta, and blue-gray tones evoke the colors of the shoreline, while sun-bleached whites, natural wood finishes, and touches of blue and green sea glass create a calming coastal atmosphere. Textured, weathered, and woven elements are thoughtfully incorporated throughout the design, serving as contemporary artistic focal points that reflect the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Designed to balance relaxation and productivity, each guest room features architectural details, contrasting finishes, and thoughtful amenities that enhance comfort and convenience, including:

• Spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers and ample storage
• Conveniently located power outlets, bedside charging stations, and USB-equipped nightstands for multiple devices
• Premium bedding featuring cotton-rich linens and plush pillows
• High-speed Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace with a large desk, ergonomic seating, ample lighting, and integrated power connections
• 55-inch flat-screen televisions with the Hilton Entertainment Package, including premium cable and movie channels
• In-room coffee bar
• Strategically placed mirrors, including illuminated vanity mirrors and full-length mirrors

Together, these features create a comfortable, contemporary retreat that allows guests to unwind, stay connected, and make the most of their beachfront stay.

Restaurants, Pool, Social Deck, Fitness Center:

All the resort's public spaces have been intentionally reimagined, extending the contemporary coastal design found throughout the guest rooms into inviting communal areas filled with natural light, open-air elements, and views of the Gulf. A palette of sandy neutrals accented by hues inspired by the sea and sunset creates a seamless connection between the resort's interiors and its beachfront setting.

Vibrant Dining Experiences

The resort's dining venues offer a variety of experiences designed to capture the spirit of beachfront living. Rum Runners, the property's signature open-air restaurant, features indoor climate-controlled seating, a 30-seat bar, and seating for up to 140 guests. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and an elevated dinner menu in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting accented by teak furnishings and coastal-inspired design. Blue offers a casual atmosphere for lunch and cocktails where guests can enjoy all-day poolside al fresco dining and a variety of beverages. Menu highlights include a variety of appetizers, salads and sandwiches featuring an assortment of local fresh seafood.

Inviting Pool and Beachfront Amenities

The resort's refreshed pool area serves as a central gathering place where guests can relax beneath the Florida sunshine while enjoying views of the Gulf. Thoughtfully designed lounge areas, poolside service, shallow wading area for children to enjoy and direct beach access create a seamless transition from poolside relaxation to beachfront adventure.

Relaxed Outdoor Social Spaces

Positioned between the pool and the beach, the resort's outdoor social area provides an inviting setting for guests to gather, unwind, and connect. Comfortable seating, fire pits, and open-air gathering spaces create a welcoming atmosphere for enjoying sunset views, evening cocktails, and memorable moments with family and friends.

State-of-the-Art Fitness Center

Guests looking to maintain their wellness routines will appreciate the resort's newly renovated 753 square-foot fitness center. Equipped with Peloton bikes, elliptical and recumbent cardio equipment, free weights, Life Fitness strength-training machines, resistance bands, and kettlebells, the facility provides everything needed for a productive workout before or after a day at the beach.

Beyond its renovated facilities, Sirata Beach Resort continues to offer a wide range of signature experiences and amenities that have made it a favorite destination for generations. Guests can enjoy daily fitness classes, watersports, beach volleyball courts, pool and beach cabanas, family-friendly crafts and games, and weekly live entertainment featuring talented local musicians. Complimentary beach and pool loungers, towels, boogie boards, noodles, and guest laundry facilities ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for visitors of all ages.

For meetings, events, and celebrations, the resort offers more than 30,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space. Facilities include nine distinct meeting venues, two ballrooms, multiple breakout rooms, a beachfront tent pavilion, and outdoor decks overlooking the Gulf.

For more information about Sirata Beach Resort call [phone] or visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/piepbup-sirata-beach-resort-st-pete-beach/

Owned and managed by Columbia Sussex, the Sirata Beach Resort is one of nearly 50 hotels under three different brands.

About Columbia Sussex:

Columbia Sussex is a private hotel company based in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. Celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2022, the company was founded in 1972 and is owned by the Yung family and headed by William J. Yung III, president. Columbia Sussex owns and operates hotels across the United States, from Arizona to Alaska, Texas to Ohio and Florida. The company currently operates 49 hotels under three different brands including Marriott Hotels, which includes Renaissance, Westin and JW; Hilton Hotels and Resorts, which includes Tapestry and Curio Collections, and Hyatt Regency. Full-service hotels and resorts such as The Boulders Resort Golf & Spa, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, in Carefree, Arizona, Marriott Phoenix Resort at The Buttes in Tempe, Arizona, Westin Atlanta Airport, Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa in Clearwater, FL, and Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort at Grand Dunes, South Carolina, Westin Washington, DC City Center and Westin Downtown Dallas collectively illustrate the breadth and depth of Columbia Sussex’s management expertise. In March 2024, the new JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort and Spa opened.

Columbia Sussex is one of the largest Marriott franchisees in the country and has been aggressively implementing a renovation program to various Marriott properties, including Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island, Columbia Marriott, Marriott Anchorage Downtown, Marriott Albuquerque, Marriott Greensboro Downtown, Marriott Dallas Las Colinas, Marriott Melville, Marriott Indianapolis North, Marriott Tampa Westshore, Marriott Albany, Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside, Marriott Savannah, Marriott Phoenix Airport and Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa. For more information, visit www.columbiasussex.com.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 28 world-class brands comprising more than 9,200 properties and over 1.3 million rooms, in 144 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 250 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

About Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a portfolio of nearly 200 independent hotels each with an original, vibrant personality, encouraging guests to enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences in destinations worth exploring. While each property has a unique story to share that comes to life through uplifting design and unique food & beverage, every Tapestry Collection property is united by the reliability that comes with the Hilton name, in addition to the benefits of the award-winning Hilton Honors program. Experience Tapestry Collection by Hilton by booking at tapestrycollectionbyhilton.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Tapestry Collection by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/tapestry, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and X.