The ongoing saga surrounding the former Radisson hotel on Hwy 192 in Kissimmee, Florida is nearing a conclusion. We’ve followed the story since the hotel left the Radisson chain and became the Grand Celebration Hotel in 2018.
At the time, the owners prominently advertised that the hotel would be joining Marriott Bonvoy. This included adding what almost looked like homemade banners outside the front door.
I thought it was unusual for a former Radisson that received more negative than mediocre reviews to be able to reflag as a Delta Hotel location immediately.
This was the beginning of the on-again, off-again relationship between the two. It took quite a while for the hotel to show up on the Marriott website and when you searched availability, it only showed as “coming soon.” Eventually, the proposed opening date of the rebranded property was set for January 2021.
As the new deadline approached, the hotel disappeared from the Marriott Bonvoy and Delta Hotels websites. There was no word about who called off the arrangement, but I imagine that Marriott became frustrated that the promised multi-million dollar renovation was taking so long.
I figured this was the end of the relationship, so imagine my surprise when I saw the Celebration Delta Hotels location back on the Marriott website. This time, June 2022 is listed as the opening date.
What caused Marriott to have a change of heart? In short, new owners.
This past April, the 718-room property located on 20 acres just 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World was purchased by Tishman Hotel Corporation for $46.5 million. At the time of the announcement, the new owners said the property was undergoing a $35 million renovation (are these the renovations announced in 2018?), with the lobby and 2 of the 6 towers already completed.
At the pace of the renovations under the old owners, they’d never finish. In stark contrast to the previous rate, Tishman has said that the property’s renovations will be completed by early 2023.
Marriott and Tishman have a long history at Walt Disney World, partnering on the Swan, Dolphin and the newly opened Swan Reserve. Tishman is apparently on a buying spree in the Disney area, with Tishman Group also being part of the $120 million purchase of the Grand Wyndham Bonnet Creek in April 2022.
The future Delta Hotels Orlando Celebration property is the second largest hotel in Kissimmee, with only the Gaylord Palms (also part of Marriott Bonvoy) having more rooms and meeting space. Tishman sees this property as a complement to its other hotels in the area, offering an off-Disney World option at a lower price point.
This is an ideal opportunity to capture guests who enjoy the proximity of the outer perimeter of Walt Disney World, with easy access to I-4 and the other Orlando attractions, including the convention center
Marriott has listed rooms for the new Delta Hotel Celebration starting August 16, 2022. Cash prices start at around $100 per night.
Award nights cost 30-35K Marriott Bonvoy points.
I wouldn’t suggest booking a room there right away as the reviews vary greatly depending on whether you get a renovated or an old room. However, the change in management has already made a difference as people seem to be liking their stays more than before.
When the renovations are completed by next year (and I’m now saying “when,” not “if”), this will be an interesting Marriott Bonvoy option in the Disney World area.
Cover photo by Stepstone Hospitality
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