Storied Alabama Hotel Ravaged by Hurricane Ivan Reopens
Originally established in 1974, the property served as a hub of community activity and premier tourism destination for 30 years before being irreparably damaged by Hurricane Ivan.
GULF SHORES, AL—A hotel property that sustained severe damage in the late summer of 2017 from Hurricane Irma, has reopened its doors on Alabama’s Gold Coast.
The 350-room Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel has begun operations and is the first full service hotel to open in the area in 20 years.
Originally established in 1974, the property served as a hub of community activity and premier tourism destination for 30 years before being irreparably damaged by Hurricane Ivan.
The Lodge, under the management of Valor Hospitality Partners, has been newly rebuilt as a model of resilient, environmentally-friendly coastal development with a focus on sustainability, Hilton officials note. With direct access to the beaches and natural beauty of Gulf State Park’s 6,150 acres, it also offers five dining options and more than 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel is located at 21196 East Beach Blvd. and is 37 miles from Pensacola International Airport
“At Hilton Hotels & Resorts, we are redefining sustainable travel, and we are proud to welcome this responsibly designed and operated hotel to our portfolio,” says Vera Manoukian, SVP and global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “With its vibrant location in one of the nation’s top state parks and its wide variety of offerings, this new hotel is well poised to set the standard for accommodations in the region.”
The new, re-imagined hotel was sensitively designed by LakeFlato and Rabun Architects with a native landscape by Sasaki Associates. The building footprint was reduced by nearly one-third and set back by 200-225 feet from the Gulf to allow for greater dune restoration and natural dune movement. The buildings are positioned to take advantage of gulf breezes for natural ventilation and to maximize natural lighting of the interior. This design reduces energy use by 32% and interior water use by 35%. The facility has targeted some of the most rigorous sustainability goals in the hospitality industry: LEED© Gold, SITES© Platinum, and FORTIFIED Commercial certifications.
The interior design is focused around a contemporary coastal aesthetic and was inspired by the hotel’s surrounding environment and the history of the former Lodge. This concept was brought to life by Dallas-based interior design firm, Looney & Associates. The design incorporates color, texture, and contrast to create comforting spaces that seamlessly transition from outdoor to indoor space while maintaining high levels of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, hotel officials say.
“From our unprecedented sustainability initiatives, and unbeatable beachfront location to Hilton’s legacy of exceptional service, The Lodge at Gulf State Park addresses and exceeds the expectations of today’s travelers,” says Bill Bennett, general manager, The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel. “We look forward to welcoming guests to our unique property where nature is at your doorstep at every turn.”