Ritz-Carlton announcing new hotel in Tampa, expected by 2011

The Tampa Bay area has been eager for their own Ritz-Carlton, and it’s looking like we’re getting one - which is expected to open in 2011. It will be located near the Tampa International Airport on Old Tampa Bay, at the intersection of the Courtney Campbell Parkway and Rocky Point Drive. The 7 story hotel will have 269 rooms as well as 30,000 sq ft of meeting space, a 15,000 sq ft spa and wellness center, retail space and a marina with boat slips.

Above the hotel will be 44 residential units (condominiums) and an adjacent 19 story tower will include 132 residential units. The average size will be 2,800 sq ft and prices have not yet been announced.

Developers hope it will become the area’s first 5-star hotel. They will have to race The Sandpearl on Clearwater Beach which opened this year. Mike Cheezem announced the same goal - the area’s first 5-star hotel, combining top service with a casual beach environment. The Sandpearl is well on its way to accomplish those objectives. Betty hurry up, Ritz-Carlton! Naturally we’d like to have two 5-star hotels.

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