FERNANDINA BEACH, FLORIDA The parent company of Omni Hotels & Resorts has won a bidding war in bankruptcy court to purchase Florida’s Amelia Island Plantation resort for US$67.1 million.
The winning bid by Irving, Texas-based TRT Holdings Inc. was about US$20 million more than a failed bid in May by Noble Investment Group. TRT outbid Starwood Capital Group in a court hearing that lasted more than four hours. The deal is contingent on final court approval.
Omni Hotels & Resorts expects to take over full ownership and operation of the 249-key luxury resort sometime this fall. The brand plans to expand the resort with approximately 125 additional guestrooms and a new 16,000-sq.-ft. ballroom.
“We are exceptionally pleased to add this extraordinary resort to the Omni portfolio, given its great beauty, gracious accommodations and broad range of amenities,” says Mike Deitemeyer, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts. “We believe that the property extends our luxury resort collection and exemplifies our commitment to deliver memorable experiences to our guests.”
