The JW Marriott Clearwater Beach will open its doors on May 1, more than seven years after the project was first rumored.

The 16-story, 198-room luxury hotel cost more than $200 million to build, said local physician and developer Kiran Patel. He took over the project in 2018 after buying out the original owner.

Patel, who also developed the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, said the COVID-19 pandemic made it challenging to secure financing and caused construction delays.

Though the building was completed in January, Patel said, they held off on opening until they could find and train staff members that met the standards of the JW brand.

“A building is just a building,” he said. “The service you give and the experience you give to your guests is what makes the difference.”

On Tuesday morning, more than 300 employees buzzed around the hotel, attending training sessions and putting the finishing touches in place ahead of the grand opening.

From the signature scent in the lobby to the wave and water motifs sprinkled throughout, every detail was designed to provide guests a zen oasis from the kitschy vibe that’s become synonymous with Clearwater Beach.

“We’re kind of tucked away from the hustle and bustle,” said Jennifer Sack, director of sales and marketing for the hotel. “We’re on the south end so it’s the quiet end.”

The JW boasts a secluded beachfront. There’s also a rooftop pool, a 24-hour fitness center, a spa and a kids club.

There are three restaurants — Latitude 28, a Mediterranean restaurant on the first floor; Eskape, a beachfront bar and grill; and The Deep End, a rooftop Peruvian restaurant on the 11th floor.

There are more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including two ballrooms and four breakout spaces. Sack said preparations are already underway for the hotel’s first major event: an anniversary celebration for Patel and his wife, Pallavi.

Thirty-six of the hotel rooms are designated as residences. Buyers can purchase these residential-style suites starting at $950,000. They’ll have access to them for 28 days out of the year. The rest of the time, the hotel will rent out the rooms.

A standard guest room starts at $459 but could go for more than $1,000 on certain nights.

“This is going to set a new standard for Clearwater Beach,” Patel said.

Text by Rebecca Liebson

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