Driftwood Hospitality Completes $10-million Renovation of the Former Radisson Riverwalk Hotel Tampa
Reflagged as Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk
JUPITER, FL, November 2, 2005. Driftwood Hospitality Management announced today a franchise agreement with Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, the largest and most global brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. The Tampa Riverwalk property was officially reflagged a Sheraton hotel on Thursday, October 13, 2005. Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk (the former Radisson Riverwalk Hotel Tampa) is situated alongside the scenic Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa at 200 North Ashley Drive. The hotel recently completed a $10-million renovation program to enhance the 280 guestrooms, public areas, and incorporate the signature Sheraton amenities and services including the custom-designed Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed.
"Driftwood Hospitality celebrates the reflagging of the Tampa Riverwalk property," said Carlos Rodriguez, partner and executive vice president of acquisitions/development for Driftwood. "Our franchise relationships with Sheraton and Starwood Hotels & Resorts continue to strengthen, and these partnerships will ensure success and profitability of this hotel."
The hotel features the Ashley Street Grille for award-winning waterfront dining, Ashley Street Bar, a fitness center and sauna, swimming pool and sundeck, business center, concierge and valet services, wireless high-speed Internet access, 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and 7,000 sq. ft. of waterfront event space. The hotel also features a riverside pool overlooking a 200-foot private dock in which dolphins and manatees can be viewed in their natural habitat.
Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk is located in the heart of the city's business and cultural district, and was originally built in 1969. Nearby leisure and business attractions include Tampa Convention Center, St. Petersburg Times Forum, University of Tampa, Tampa International Airport (TIA), Ybor City, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, shopping, sports centers, galleries and museums, and much more.
"This hotel is situated in a prime downtown riverfront location that captures all the vibrancy, energy and scenic beauty the city has to offer," said Joe Gelchion, senior vice president of operations, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. "The Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk, along with its sister property, the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport, will provide the brand with a strong presence in this area and will become a major destination for both the avid vacation-goer and business traveler alike."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
