InterContinental Orlando joining the influx of new hotel construction; Universal’s Epic Universe, convention center expansion are driving the trend
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to bring a premium InterContinental Hotel to Orlando’s I-Drive corridor.
The new 784-room resort hotel, announced Tuesday, will be part of a $1.5 billion redevelopment of the former Wyndham Resort and Convention Center at 8001 International Drive, GrowthSpotter reported. It is the latest in an onslaught of hotel transactions and projects in the Orlando area, coming both in the tourist corridor and downtown. Universal’s plans for Epic Universe and the upcoming expansion of the Orange County Convention Center are helping to drive the trend.
The InterContinental project is being co-developed by Unicorp National Development and Flag Luxury Group, which have owned the property since 2011.
Flag CEO Paul Kanovos said
the new hotel would bring a touch of luxury to the iconic destination and provide guests with unforgettable experiences.
“They’re very special hotels,” Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall said. “It’s just below a 5-star hotel. It’ll accommodate tourists. It’ll accommodate conventioneers. It’s a brand that’s not in our market, and we just think they’re a great fit.”
The 700-guestroom and 84-suite property, set to open in 2028, will feature amenities including five restaurant and bar concepts, a 15,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, a pool, fitness center and 106,000 square feet of meetings and events space.
“We think Central Florida is going to keep growing, and with Universal’s new addition, we just don’t see it slowing down,” Whittall said.
Their ownership group received demolition permits for the Wyndham in July. Whittall said they are prepping development permits for the entire 30-acre site and will submit those soon to Orange County. The site is south of Sand Lake Road and stretches from I-Drive to Universal Boulevard, taking in everything except the Walgreen’s and WaWa stores on the corners. They hope to break ground next summer.
“The InterContinental Orlando will just take up a portion of it, and we have room to do another three or four hotels and some retail and entertainment,” Whittall said.
The site has entitlements for over 2,000 rooms. Whittall said the development team will offer multiple brands and price points.
This is the second time this month IHG announced plans to introduce one of its premium brands to the market. The company previously revealed plans to bring a Kimpton Hotel to Orlando’s Westcourt district across from the Kia Center. IHG is also moving forward with a new dual-branded EVEN and Staybridge Suites hotel next to the Epic Universe theme park set to open in 2025.
Last week, RIDA Development and ARES Management paid $1.07 billion for the Hyatt Regency Orlando and the adjacent 45-acre lot next to the Orange County Convention Center. They announced plans jointly with Hyatt Hotels to build a super-premium Grand Hyatt on the development site, starting with up to 1,300 rooms in phase 1.