Looking to the Future

Gearing up for a 2020 renovation of the interior spaces.

SINCE HYATT SARASOTA BUILT ITS ROOTS IN THE EARLY 70S, the building and brand have undergone several major renovations to stay at the forefront of comfort, technology and design by continually looking toward the future. Coming 2020, Hyatt Sarasota will undergo another exciting renovation, which includes a complete overhaul to update its longstanding infrastructure and implement more modern furnishings. “It’s exciting and I can’t wait to restore the hotel to the stature that it deserves,” says General Manager Marcia Dmochowski Clark. Since taking the helm as general manager two and a half years ago, Clark is amazed that anywhere she goes, and mentions her position, someone somehow has an affiliation—either they had their high school prom there, got married there, vacationed there, had a family reunion or business luncheon there. “So they have a sense of ownership,” she says. “It’s such an icon in the community.”

For Debbie DeVito, the upcoming renovation is especially exciting for the sales department. “It gives us a fresh new start, something to sell, something to look forward to,” she says, “And really, just to repeat our history and set us apart from the rest of Sarasota.” A great deal of coordination and communication is going into it already, with not only the general contractors to control the trades, but also internally amongst the various departments, to minimize any disruption to the guests. “That’s key,” Clark says. Floor by floor, guest rooms will receive a complete makeover of a fresh look, bathrooms will be converted from tubs to shower stalls, meeting room spaces will be expanded and the entire hotel will go from carpet to cool tile floors. Plans to enhance more water views throughout the property are also in the works, including a total change to the lobby. It will still have that same open feel, but now, a bar will be put in with windows behind it for a wonderful view of the water while sitting with cocktails. “Because that’s what Florida’s all about, right?” says Clark. The lobby will also gain a market, where people can enjoy the convenience of being able to go in and grab a bottle of wine or a sandwich on their way to the beach or out to Ca’ d’Zan. Additionally, they plan to create more sense of community—more than there already is. Though there is plenty of gathering space in the lobby, the remodel will create more intimate spaces so people can relax and have conversations “as if they’re in their own living room,” says Clark. “The community gives so much to the hotel, and in turn, we want to give back to the community, because we appreciate being apart of it.”

1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, 941-953-1234, hyatt.com, @hyattsarasota