Sunseeker Resort gains momentum after Hilton rebrand

Sunseeker Resort Florida Gulf Coast is reporting strong early performance and rolling out a series of upgrades six months after its acquisition by Blackstone Real Estate and rebranding under Hilton’s Curio Collection. 

Vice President and Managing Director Vince Parrotta said March 23 that the waterfront resort is seeing solid occupancy and booking trends while investing in expanded amenities, dining and guest experiences. 

The most significant project is a planned 100,000-square-foot expansion of meeting and event space, expected to break ground later this year and be completed in late 2027. The addition will more than double the resort’s existing 60,000 square feet of conference space. 

Parrotta said the expansion is driven by demand from larger groups seeking additional capacity. “This significant increase will enable us to confidently accommodate these larger groups that have already expressed strong interest in hosting their events with us,” he said. 

Parrotta said the resort started 2026 on strong footing, with some of its highest transient booking days since opening and steady group business. “Our annual occupancy goal is over 50% and in the first quarter we’ve been running ahead of this,” he said. 

The improved performance is a positive sign for local tourism leaders, as hotel stays generate revenue through Charlotte County’s 5% Tourist Development Tax, commonly referred to as the bed tax. 

The current momentum marks a shift from the resort’s early challenges under previous owner Allegiant Travel Co. Construction of the 785-room resort was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, small fires at the job site and damage from Hurricane Ian, which toppled construction cranes and caused about $35 million in damage. 

The resort opened in December 2023 after more than four years of construction and an estimated $700 million in development costs. Allegiant later sold the property and related assets to Blackstone for $200 million in September 2025, choosing to refocus on its airline operations. 

Since the acquisition, the new ownership group has introduced a range of enhancements across the property. 

At Aileron Golf Club, access has been expanded to Hilton Honors members, who can join the program at no cost. 

Dining options also have been upgraded. The resort recently opened Stretto Italian Chophouse, replacing Maury’s Steak, Seafood & Spirits with a reimagined concept featuring an elevated menu. Offerings include premium cuts of beef, seafood dishes and specialty items such as wagyu ribeye and lobster. 

The former Allegiant Stadium sports bar has been rebranded as The Stadium Club, with updated menu offerings and a refreshed dining experience. 

The resort also launched Sunseeker Delivered, a service that allows guests to order food directly to their rooms or suites. 

Accommodations have been updated, as well, with the resort’s suites rebranded as Sunsuites Villas, designed to provide a more premium guest experience. 

In an effort to attract both visitors and residents, the resort introduced free parking for nonguests who validate their tickets inside the property. Parrotta said the resort is focused on increasing engagement with the local community. 

“We are excited to continue to offer our local community great experiences at our resort,” he said, pointing to events such as locals nights, rooftop pool parties, live entertainment and themed gatherings. 

The resort also is working with the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau and other organizations to plan future events, including a fall wine and jazz festival and a country music event over Labor Day weekend. 

A dedicated website, sunseekerlocals.com, has been launched to promote events tailored to local residents.