Innisfree Hotels First Marriott


Innisfree Hotels has begun construction on a Springhill Suites in Panama City Beach, Fla., representing the hotel company’s first Marriott franchise, and drawing new visitors to the popular Gulf Coast tourist destination. 


At $61 million, this marks the largest ground-up deal by the Pensacola-based company. The Springhill Suites is located only three miles from Innisfree’s brand new Gulf front Hampton Inn & Suites, located at the M.B. Miller County Pier, set to open in July 2017. 


The two properties total more than a $100 million investment in the coastal community and will be a new draw for visitors, especially members of the Marriott Rewards Program. 


“This hotel represents the first and only beachfront Marriott product in Panama City Beach, and that is significant,” says Innisfree Founder and CEO Julian MacQueen. “I can see this hotel becoming a market driver that increases all beachfront revenues, due to the exposure to the Marriott system.” 


The 200-room hotel overlooking the Gulf of Mexico features the following amenities … 



  • All-Suite Hotel with Smart Rooms and Balconies

  • Beachfront Lazy River Pool with Pool Deck Splash Pad and Snack Bar

  • Stunning Views from the 4th-Floor Lobby

  • Mobile Check-In

  • Free Breakfast

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • In-Suite Work Spaces

  • Fitness Center

  • Indoor and Outdoor Food Service with Bars

  • Garage Parking

  • Dune Walkover with Direct Beach Access


Innisfree plans to spend $2 million on an incredible fantasy pool, including a lazy river and multiple children’s play areas. The new Springhill Suites will be the largest branded hotel built on Panama City Beach since the Holiday Inn Resort was constructed in 1990, MacQueen notes. 


The project welcomes joint venture partner Stonehill Capital, with funding by Centennial Bank. The design team – previously awarded the “New Development Design Award” by Intercontinental Hotels Group for its work on Innisfree’s Holiday Inn Resort in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. – includes Civil Engineer Mark Siner of Choctaw Engineering, Philip Partington of SMP Architecture and Larry Adams of Bullock Tice Associates, with interior design by Debbie Adrian of Adrian Caradine Contract Design and pool deck by Chad Watkins of WAS Design. Robins & Morton serves as General Contractor. 


The Springhill Suites by Marriott on Panama City Beach will be open by Spring 2019.


– Ashley Kahn Salley

Lead Storyteller, Innisfree Hotels