USA, Miami, Florida. September 26, 2018

Timed with its upcoming opening this fall, Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort has received a prestigious recognition by the USA Property Awards as the winner in the "New Hotel Construction & Design - Florida" category. Developed by Miami-based Key International, the Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach will be the only luxury resort on the city's shore, and one of only five beachfront properties with a resort designation under the Embassy Suites by Hilton flag.

The International Property Awards are open to residential and commercial property professionals from around the globe. Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach's victory follows a detailed judging process by an independent panel of 80 industry experts, chaired by the House of Lords in the U.K. Parliament, that focuses on design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to sustainability.

"It's an honor for Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach to be recognized on a national and international stage," said Diego Ardid, Co-President of Key International. "This resort is representative of positive, new growth in the area, and we are pleased to have worked closely with industry leaders on the design, build, and management of this property."

Encompassing a 6.5-acre enclave, the property is designed by PFVS Architecture, pairing the charm of a Mediterranean villa with the elegance and amenities of a beachfront resort. Evoking a sense of coastal modernism by drawing on elements from the oceanfront setting, J. Banks Design curated the interiors of each king, studio king, two-bedroom, and queen-queen suite, as well as the leisure, retail, event, and dining common areas.

Igniting interest with families, corporate travelers, and destination wedding planners, Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach will provide a plethora of on-site activities from surf lessons and paddle boarding to multiple dining experiences, an intimate outdoor dedicated wedding lawn, an expertly-designed indoor ballroom, and the award-winning service synonymous with Embassy Suites by Hilton. The resort will also house a full-service Starbucks? franchise, for guests seeking a caffeine fix, cold-pressed juice, pastry or on-the-go snack.

Shawn Gracey, Executive Vice President of Hospitality for Key International, accepted the award during an official ceremony on Thursday, September 20. "We are proud to celebrate the commemoration of Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach and its spectacular oceanfront locale alongside leading international destinations and resorts," said Gracey.