Grand Boulevard Celebrates Grand Opening of Marriott Hotels

The local community celebrated Tuesday the grand opening of the Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard and the Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, the first of their kind in northwest Florida. Howard Group has acquired the rights to own and develop Marriott brand hotels in the Destin, Sandestin and South Walton County areas. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will manage and operate both Marriott properties, which, together, offer almost 300 rooms and suites plus meeting space and recreational facilities. Both hotels are part of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, a $250-million lifestyle "Town Center" shopping and entertainment development at the entrance of the 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Retail, including a new Publix supermarket, opened in 2003. Phase Two will open in the spring of 2007 and will include Class A office, retail and signature restaurants, along with completion of the Grand Boulevard. Once complete, it will include high-end national chain and specialty retail stores, five signature restaurants and outdoor cafés, cinemas, as well as upgraded features and finishes for the two hotels.