By Jeff Coy and Bill Haralson
July 6, 2006 --- Hotels with indoor waterparks will
grow to a forecast of 144 by year end 2006, up 33% from 108 in 2005. Meanwhile,
ordinary hotels add less than 1.0% growth to the overall hotel industry
room supply.
Seventy-three (73) new hotel waterpark additions
and expansion projects are under construction or will break ground during
2006. Thirteen have already opened during the first half of the year. A
total of 36 hotel indoor waterparks with 6,004 rooms and 1,095,440 square
feet of waterpark are expected to open before year end 2006. Another 37
are under construction and scheduled to open in 2007.
.
Construction Project Growth
Hotel Waterpark Resorts USA
|
2007F |
2006
F |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
Open
at beginning of year |
144
|
108
|
81
|
65
|
50
|
41
|
32
|
18
|
Openings
during year |
37
|
36
|
27
|
16
|
15
|
9
|
9
|
14
|
Total
Open at end of year |
181
|
144
|
108
|
81
|
65
|
50
|
41
|
32
|
Percent
Change |
25.7%
|
33.3%
|
33.3%
|
24.6%
|
30.0%
|
22.0%
|
28.1%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under
Construction |
|
76
|
52
|
32
|
9
|
10
|
9
|
8
|
In
Development |
|
99
|
121
|
69
|
46
|
19
|
|
|
Source:
Jeff Coy & Bill Haralson, Hotel Waterpark Resort Research & Consulting. |
What�s behind the phenomenal growth?
-
Leisure travel patterns favor the drive-to regional
resort or the urban hotel with a major indoor waterpark. Indoor waterparks
and other recreation-entertainment concepts are a part of almost every
new hotel and resort development today.
-
While indoor waterparks can be expensive to build, the
positive impact on hotel revenues and profits is even more impressive.
Hotels with indoor waterparks achieve higher occupancy, higher revenue
per room (revpar) and higher net operating income than comparable hotels
without indoor waterparks.
-
Almost every hotel waterpark resort project includes
the condo-hotel concept.
-
Several new projects have opened with the new technology
domed structures and enclosures that let in the light and keep out the
weather --- extending peak season to year round. And while most hotel waterpark
resorts focus on families with young children, a few new projects include
surf-quality wave parks and whitewater river courses to add a little more
adventure.
-
Hotel waterparks are here to stay.
Growth continues to accelerate
Hotel waterpark projects under construction have
grown from 8 in 2000 to 52 in 2005 to 73 that are under construction or
will break ground during 2006. Projects in the development phase grew from
19 in 2002 to 121 in 2005 and 108 in 2006.
The number of hotel rooms attached to indoor waterparks
is expected to grow from 5,400 in 2000 to a forecast of over 36,000 in
2007, which is nearly a 7X increase over seven years.
.
Room Supply Growth
Hotel Waterpark Resorts USA
|
2007F |
2006F |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
Open
at beginning of year |
24,389
|
18,385
|
13,877
|
11,464
|
8,510
|
7,452
|
5,487
|
3,545
|
Openings
during year |
12,008
|
6,004
|
4,508
|
2,413
|
2,954
|
1,058
|
1,965
|
1,942
|
Total
Open at end of year |
36,397
|
24,389
|
18,385
|
13,877
|
11,464
|
8,510
|
7,452
|
5,487
|
Percent
Change |
49.2%
|
32.7%
|
32.5%
|
21.0%
|
34.7%
|
14.2%
|
35.8%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under
Construction |
|
18,499
|
9,038
|
4,432
|
1,144
|
1,366
|
1,058
|
1,704
|
In
Development |
|
20,630
|
26,747
|
15,864
|
13,268
|
4,630
|
|
|
Source:
Jeff Coy & Bill Haralson, Hotel Waterpark Resort Research & Consulting |
The total square footage of indoor waterparks attached
to hotels was 732,100 in Year 2000. That number will grow to more than
3.5 million square feet by year end 2006. The supply of hotel indoor waterpark
space grew 24% in 2004, 40% in 2005 and is expected to grow 45% in 2006.
The new projects tend to have more rooms and bigger indoor waterparks.
.
Indoor Waterpark Square Footage Growth
Hotel Waterpark Resorts USA
|
2007F |
2006F |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
Open
at beginning of year |
3,514,109
|
2,418,669
|
1,721,269
|
1,385,969
|
1,019,104
|
935,069
|
732,100
|
487,000
|
Openings
during year |
1,934,300
|
1,095,440
|
697,400
|
335,300
|
366,865
|
84,035
|
202,969
|
245,100
|
Total
Open at end of year |
5,448,409
|
3,514,109
|
2,418,669
|
1,721,269
|
1,385,969
|
1,019,104
|
935,069
|
732,100
|
Percent
Change |
55.0%
|
45.3%
|
40.5%
|
24.2%
|
36.0%
|
9.0%
|
27.7%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under
Construction |
|
2,979,940
|
1,739,240
|
|
|
|
|
|
In
Development |
|
3,331,027
|
4,687,027
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source:
Jeff Coy & Bill Haralson, Hotel Waterpark Resort Research & Consulting |
Hotel waterpark resorts grew out of Wisconsin during
the mid-1990s, and then spread to adjacent states in the Upper Midwest.
The growth pattern is spreading across the northern tier of the USA, with
new properties stretching to states in the Pacific Northwest and New England.
Many seasonal hotels and resorts now have or will soon open indoor-outdoor
waterparks to build revenues on a year round basis. New hotel waterpark
resort developments are now occurring in the Sunbelt where developers are
planning indoor-outdoor waterparks as part of mixed-use residential resort
projects.
Recent Openings First Half 2006: USA
Thirteen (13) hotel waterpark resorts opened in the
first half of 2006:
In January 2006, Best Western Edgewater Resort
in Duluth MN completed its renovation-expansion to include a 30,000
sf indoor waterpark consisting of 4 waterslides, 2 pools, hot tub and lazy
river. You can reach Ken and John Goldfine at 218-723-8433.
Belatedly making our list, Paul Younes has a 163-room
Holiday
Inn in Kearney NE which sports a 4,000 sf indoor waterpark with 4 waterslides
and 2 pools along with 12 meeting rooms and 20,000 sf of meeting space.
Talk to Paul or Lori Roach at 308-237-5971.
Great Escapes Resort & Waterpark opened
in February 2006 in Lake George NY with 200 rooms and a 38,000 sf indoor
waterpark that includes a waterslide, 2 pools, lazy river and wave pool.
The hotel waterpark resort is owned by a partnership involving Six Flags.
For more info, contact Mark Shapiro, Six Flags Corporation CEO, at 518-581-8800.
In March 2006, Lake Lawn Resort completed
its Phase 1 conversion of 284 hotel rooms into 222 condo units at Lake
Delavan WI. In Phase 2, there�s a large indoor waterpark planned, according
to co-owners Tom Quinn and Pat Nelson. For more, call 847-517-9090.
In April 2006, developer Ben Errez completed the
conversion of Ramada Big Splash, a 150-unit condo hotel and 7,000
sf indoor waterpark in Auburn WA, and then he sold the facility to the
Swinomish Tribe.
The 214-room Holiday Inn Elmhurst IL converted
its holidome into a 25,000 sf indoor waterpark in April 2006. The waterpark
features 4 waterslides, 2 pools and a lazy river, according to managing
partner Mike Cohen. Reach him at 952-334-0784.
Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells WI completed
the final phase of a four-year, $46 million expansion with the opening
of Bear Track Landing, a new 38,000 sf indoor waterpark addition. The massive
expansion doubles the existing waterpark to 76,000 sf of soaking wet fun
--- making Great Wolf Lodge one of the largest indoor waterpark resorts
in North America. The waterpark features the nation�s first headfirst mat
racers. Guests race down 4 side by side slides through a dark tunnel twisting
into 180-degree turns. "The mat racers create family-friendly competition
as a new thrill ride", according to Tim Black, general manager. The resort
now has a total of 19 state of the art waterslides and a total of 6 pools
including the new Slap Tail Pond wave pool, 2 kiddie slides, zero-depth
entry toddler pool and simulators that shoot, squirt and spray water at
the touch of a button. Visit www.greatwolf.com
or call 1-800-559-9653.
Treasure Island Waterpark Resort
1701 Wisconsin Dells Parkway
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
|
.
Grand Lodge And Water Park Of America
1700 American Blvd E
Bloomington, Minnesota
|
In May 2006, Jeff Wirth of the Wirth Companies opened
his Grand Lodge & Waterpark of America near the Mall of America
in Bloomington MN. With 403 rooms, 70,000 sf of indoor waterpark and
a 10-story waterslide tower, the facility is quite impressive. The indoor
waterpark consists of 11 waterslides, 8 pools, 2 hot tubs, a lazy river,
a wave pool and an uphill water coaster. However, the hotel has only 2
meeting rooms totaling 1,500 sf of meeting space. Contact Jeff Wirth at
612-741-3824.
Holiday Inn East in Columbus OH opened its
60,000 sf Fort Rapids indoor waterpark in May 2006. The developers renovated
the original 278 hotel rooms and built 60 new Family Villa Suites. Fort
Rapids features 12 waterslides, 3 pools, a lazy river and a 5,000 sf arcade.
For more details, call 614-764-9100 to reach Scott Somerville, CEO of Focus
Lodging Group LLC, which owns and manages the hotel waterpark. Or visit
www.focuslodging.com.
Mt Olympus Water & Theme Park in Wisconsin
Dells WI is a megapark that resulted from a merger of Treasure
Island Waterpark Resort and Family Land Waterpark, both owned by Jim Mattei,
and Mt Olympus Theme Park, owned by Nick Laskaris. The merger was made
possible following the acquisition of the 156-acre Playday Motel property.
The motel was demolished to make room for four new amusement attractions,
including 2 new outdoor water rides, a new go-kart track and a new wooden
roller coaster. The Mt Olympus merger involves two lodging properties:
Treasure Island Waterpark Resort with 331 rooms and suites and Pleasant
View Motel, a budget property featuring 56 rooms, which is owned and operated
by Treasure Island. Guests of both hotels receive admission to the new
Mt Olympus Water & Theme Park included in the price of their room.
For more info, go to www.mtolympusthemepark.com
or call Jim Mattei at 608- 253-8560.
Developer Ben Errez completed his conversion of the
Ramada
Casino Resort & Waterpark in Anacortes WA and then sold the 135-unit
condo hotel with its 14,000 sf indoor waterpark to the Swinomish Tribe.
In June 2006, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
opened Wasserfest, the world�s first indoor-outdoor convertible waterpark.
Wasserfest is a 70,000 sf area that is covered by a retractable roof, which
allows the park to remain open year-round and function as an indoor waterpark
during the colder months --- and the inclement weather in warmer months.
No more worries of a passing thunderstorm ruining your fun. The translucent
roof keeps the rain out and lets the light in. Wasserfest includes 4 tube
slides, 3 speed slides, 3 activity areas, children�s waterplay things,
pint-sized slides, a secluded beach, a hot tub and the Torrent Tidal Wave
River --- all under a retractable roof. It�s not attached to a hotel, but
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center are right next door with
428 rooms, 100,000 sf of meeting space, 242 acre botanical gardens, an
aquarium and I-MAX theater. Surfenburg and Bastenhoof will open later this
summer, which will add several attractions to the outdoor waterpark, including
two uphill water coasters, a wave lagoon, beaches, body slides, a kid�s
area, two family raft rides and the Boogie Bahn surf ride. Schlitterbahn
will also construct an array of three tubing rivers that connect all sections
of the 26-acre park together. Call Schlitterbahn at 830-625-2351 and Moody
Gardens Hotel at 888-388-8484.
.
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
2026 Lockheed Street
Galveston, Texas
.
Under Construction & Opening in
2006: USA
As of July 1, 2006, we identified 37 properties that
are still under construction which we expect to open before year end 2006.
-
Wilderness Resort�s Glacier Canyon Lodge in Wisconsin
Dells WI will open its 224-unit condo hotel in July 2006 along with
its new 3-acre Lost World Adventure outdoor waterpark. The new park features
a 1,600-foot long adventure river system that takes you back to the age
of dinosaurs. The resort is expanding to include facilities for business
meetings and conventions. A 25,000 sf banquet center will be completed
in October 2006. "The banquet center will accommodate conferences of up
to 500 people and dinner parties of more than 300," says Joe Eck, director
of sales and marketing for the Wilderness. The banquet center, which will
be inside Glacier Canyon Lodge, will include wireless internet access and
state of the art audio-visual technology. One large room can be broken
down into 12 different combinations, and companies can use eight smaller
rooms for breakout sessions. A new 18-hole championship golf course will
be completed in time for summer 2007. For more info, contact Joe Eck at
800-867-9453.
-
In addition to opening it new Glacier Canyon Lodge and
Lost World Adventure outdoor waterpark at The Dells, Wilderness Resort
also opened its new Wild Water Dome indoor waterpark in July 2006.
The foiltek translucent dome, which covers 65,000 sf of indoor waterpark
space, lets in the light but keeps out the weather. The park features Duelling
Mammoths or 2-family raft rides, a wave pool and poolside cabanas with
bar, TV, internet and VIP service.
-
Country Inn & Suites in Marquette MI is expected
to open its 106 rooms and 3,000 sf indoor waterpark during July 2006. The
hotel owner is Centrup. Moyle Construction of Houghton MI is building the
hotel. For more info, contact Tom Helmanin at 906-226-2700.
-
Comfort Suites Thumper Pond in Ottertail MN opened
its 12,000 sf indoor waterpark in July 2006 featuring a 3-story tower with
2 slides --- a 250-foot tube slide and 186-foot body slide. The waterpark
also includes an activity pool with 2 basketball hoops and a log floatie
and a beach entry pool with water geysers, toddler slide and water bucket.
There�s also a lazy river. Thumper Pond is a golf resort with 78 rooms
--- so now there�s fun for the whole family. Talk to owner Doug Balaha
or general manager Tom Beaudry at 218-367-2008 or go to www.thumperpond.com.
-
Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells WI plans
to open an 80,000 sf indoor waterpark in August 2006, which is part of
the resort�s $200 million expansion plan. "When the four-year project is
completed, the 300-room Chula Vista will be about triple its current size,"
said owner Mike Kaminski. Much of the resort�s expansion will include condominium
units available for purchase or rent. Phase 1 completions include 166 condos,
80,000 sf indoor waterpark, and a new restaurant. More than 30,000 sf is
being added to the existing 40,000 sf of convention facilities. When the
expansion is completed in 2009, Chula Vista will have about 1000 condos
and hotel rooms, 100,000 sf of waterpark and 200,000 sf of convention space.
You can talk to Mike Kaminski at 608-254-8366.
-
A 100-room hotel with 30,000 sf indoor waterpark in
Belvedere
NY by Sty Blitz is scheduled to open in September 2006. No further
information is available.
-
Mark Flaherty Jr, Ed Carow and Chuck Heath of WPH Hotels
purchased the Sheraton Resort in Danvers MA last year and announced
a $30 million plan to renovate the hotel and build an 85,000 sf indoor
waterpark. The project, scheduled for completion in September 2006, will
be the first indoor waterpark in New England. The resort�s existing facilities
include 367 rooms, 18-hole golf course and 50,000 sf of meeting space.
Flaherty, Carow and Heath are hotel investors who were involved in the
Country Springs Hotel & Waterpark in Waukesha WI and the Lodge at Cedar
Creek in Wausau WI prior to their current mission of acquiring and repositioning
under-performing properties that can benefit from an indoor waterpark.
The three investors also acquired the Sheraton Chicago Northwest and the
Cherry Valley Resort in Newark OH near Columbus. They have an impressive
strategy to become hotel waterpark resort owners in multiple markets. You
can reach Mark Flaherty at 414-254-9861, Ed Carow at 414-254-9864 and Chuck
Heath at 608-848-4500 ext 202.
-
Holiday Inn Express & Splash Universe in Dundee
MI is scheduled to add another 100 rooms to its existing 76 rooms and
open a 53,000 sf River Run indoor waterpark in September 2006. River Run
will feature 3 waterslides, 3 pools and a lazy river. The hotel indoor
waterpark is located adjacent to Cabela�s Outfitters on US Hwy 23 about
30 miles south of Detroit and 20 miles north of Toledo OH. Focus Hospitality
Services of Valparaiso IN manages the hotel. You can talk to James Bell,
GM, at 734-529-5100.
-
Ramada DFW & Big Splash Waterpark in Irving TX
is converting 150 hotel rooms into 70 condo units that will be sold to
private owners. "The renovation, scheduled for completion in September
2006, includes a Deseo Spa, Oceano Restaurant and Big Splash Waterpark,"
according to Bellevue WA-based Plan B Development LLC members Ben Errez
and Bill Adams. For more info, call 425-748-5050.
-
Great Wolf Lodge at Paramount�s Kings Island in Mason
(Cincinnati) OH is expected to open its 401 suites, 40,000 sf conference
center and 78,000 sf indoor waterpark in October 2006. The waterpark sports
11 waterslides, 4 heated pools, 100 video games and an Aveda spa. "One
of the things we love about the Mason project is our relationship with
Kings Island," says Great Wolf Resort�s CEO John Emery. Great Wolf Lodge
replaces a 39-acre campsite next to Kings Island, one of the nation�s busiest
summertime attractions with 3.5 million visitors annually. Kings Island
is expecting Great Wolf to make the theme park a year round tourist destination.
In exchange for the land, Kings Island became a 15% owner of the resort.
You can reach John Emery at 608-251-6400 or visit www.greatwolflodge.com.
-
Surfparks LLC, Ron Jon Surf Shop and Festival Bay Mall
owner (Belz) broke ground in January 2006 on its $8.5 million Ron Jon
Indoor Surfpark at Festival Bay Mall on International Drive in Orlando.
The indoor surfpark, first of its kind in the world, is expected to open
in October 2006. "Surfparks LLC was formed to develop and operate the world�s
first and finest wave riding facilities utilizing new technology to create
the perfect surf in a pool," says Jamie Meiselman, founder and ceo. Surfparks�
waves are designed by technology partners Aquatic Development Group of
Cohoes NY using the pool�s shape and adjustable floor system to configure
a variety of waves. The surf pool will generate up to 6 waves per minute
and wave heights from 5 to 8 feet and ride lengths from 60 to 100 yards.
Under a license agreement, the facility will be known as the Ron Jon Surfpark
at Festival Bay Mall --- featuring a Ron Jon pro shop with surfing wear
and equipment and a Ron Jon restaurant offering pool side service for spectators
and drained wave riders, according to Ed Moriarty, president of Ron Jon
Surf Shop. The surf pool will cater to all skill levels from beginner to
the experienced surfer and bodyboarder. Funk Ventures Capital Partners
is the lead institutional investor. For more info, go to www.surfparks.com,
www.ronjons.com,
www.aquaticgroup.com and www.belz.com.
-
Focus Hospitality Services is under construction with
its Splash Universe Waterpark Resort in Shipshewana IN, a 154-room
lodge with 25,000 sf indoor waterpark scheduled to open in October 2006.
For more info, call Dean Morgan, president, or Mark Moore, marketing manager,
at 219-617-1542.
-
Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg VA is constructing
100 additional suites that will open in October 2006 --- bringing the total
to 401 rooms. Curtis Brown is GM and regional vice president. Reach him
at 608-251-6400.
-
The former Regency Hotel in Omaha NE is under
going an $11 million makeover, according to Scott Makinster, a member of
the Grover Street Acquisition Group, the new owners. The 119 renovated
hotel rooms and 50 two-room suites were ready in June 2006. The 25,000
sf indoor waterpark should be ready for families around October or November
2006. It will feature a 250-foot lazy river, 2 waterslides for adults,
3 slides designed for children, an activity pool and spa. Email [email protected]
or dial 402-399-9049.
-
Best Western Clock Tower Hotel in Rockford IL
is under-going an indoor pool renovation to include waterpark play features,
according to David Sweet, president of Ramkota of Sioux Falls SD, its new
owner. The 252-room hotel will open its new 40,000 sf indoor waterpark
in November 2006. Talk to David Sweet at 605-334-2371.
-
Jellystone RV & Outdoor Waterpark in Warrens-Tomah
WI is under construction with a 48,000 sf indoor waterpark scheduled
to open in November 2006, according to Ed Vandermolen and partners. Hotel
rooms are planned in the future. For more, go to www.jellystonewarrens.com.
-
Sheraton Chicago Northwest in Arlington Heights IL
was
recently purchased by WPH Hotels. Its subsidiary, Wave Development LLC,
is midway through the construction of a 46,240 sf indoor waterpark scheduled
to open by December 2006. The 52-foot tall indoor waterpark addition will
attach to the existing 429-room, 12-story hotel and conference center.
This will be Chicago�s First Major Indoor Waterpark Resort. It will include
a wave pool, river channel, slide tower with tube and body slides, activity
pool, children�s pool, whirlpool, spray pad and party rooms. To expand
the arcade from 1,000 to 3,000 square feet, the new owners converted three
meeting rooms, according to managing partner Chuck Heath. Heath and partners
Mark Flaherty and Ed Carow hope that Chicago Northwest will end Wisconsin�s
domination as the waterpark capital of the world, especially with more
waterpark resorts coming soon to Chicago. You can reach Chuck Heath at
608-848-4500.
-
Lakeview Resort in Canyon Lake TX is a small
RV Resort owned by Debbie and Loren Drum. They are under construction with
a renovated Lodge, three 3-bedroom cabins, a 19,000 sf conference center
and a 7,200 sf indoor-outdoor waterpark called Texanaland. Portions of
their project are expected to open by year end 2006. More condo units are
planned for 2007. For details, call Debbie at 830-899-7007.
-
Arrowwood Resort at Lake Okoboji IA is under
construction with a 100-room condo-hotel, 28,000 sf of conference space
and an 18,000 sf indoor waterpark scheduled to open by December 2006, according
to David Sweet, president of Sioux Falls SD-based Ramkota Companies and
Regency Hotel Management, its owner and manager.
-
Bridges Bay Resort at Lake Okoboji IA is under
construction with 48 three bedroom-three bath units in their Trestle Bridge
resort condo-hotel --- that�s 144 rentable units and a 19,800 sf indoor
waterpark, which should be ready by December 2006 or early 2007. The indoor
waterpark will have waterslides for all ages, a lazy river, 500-gallon
tipping bucket, lily-pad waterwalk, mushroom water sprays, basketball hoops
and Lil� Spirt waterplay things. The resort will also feature 72 three
bedroom residential condos, some of which are available now. For more info,
call Regency Hotel Management at 605-334-2371 or 605-323-0027.
-
Holiday Inn & Suites in Maumee OH is under
construction with 106 rooms and a 22,000 sf domed indoor waterpark to be
completed by the end of 2006. Dome Technology Inc of Idaho Falls ID is
constructing a huge dome over the entire waterpark, the first of its kind,
after years of building churches, schools and residences, using their thin-shell
concrete system. The indoor waterpark won�t be large enough to entertain
for a whole day or compete with Sandusky area resorts, according to Mike
Patel, a member of the ownership group, Image Hospitality Group LLC of
Pooler GA. "We�ll have the wave action pool, basketball hoops, one body
slide, one tube slide and a superbowl, which is where you come down the
ride, spin in a bowl and drop into a pool," Patel said. The average night
stay, including four tickets to the waterpark, will cost about $100, less
than what you will pay at some indoor waterparks in Ohio. Call 912-604-3617
or go to www.imagehotels.net
for more information. Also, visit www.dometech.com.
-
A hotel waterpark resort in Ligonier PA is reportedly
under construction with 97 rooms and a 28,000 sf indoor waterpark expected
to open by late 2006 or early 2007. For more info, call Pam Wolff of Highland
Development at 724-836-4582.
-
Mark Flaherty, Ed Carow and Chuck Heath of Milwaukee-based
WPH Hotels LLC recently purchased the Cherry Valley Lodge in Newark
OH, about 30 miles east of Columbus. Cherry Valley Lodge with its 200
rooms, meeting space for 500 people, 14-mile paved hiking & biking
trail is the only hotel in the USA that is also an arboretum. In January
2006, the new owners unveiled a $28 million plan to renovate of the 18-acre
property. A signature 45,000 sf indoor waterpark resort is slated to open
by year end 2006. The waterpark will feature a 14,000 sf activity pool
basketball hoops and water-rope walk, a 249-foot long, 9-foot wide River
Channel with water flows of 60 to 120-feet per minute, a plunge pool, a
children�s area with floor geysers and whitewater slides and indoor and
outdoor whirlpools. Partners include Sage Hospitality of Denver who is
now managing the property and Wave Development, a Wisconsin firm that develops
hotel waterpark resorts. Horizon Construction Group Inc of Wisconsin is
the contractor for the project. In addition to their Cherry Valley Lodge
purchase, Flaherty, Carow and Heath recently acquired Sheraton Danvers
MA and Sheraton Northwest Chicago IL and have indoor waterpark projects
underway. You can reach Chuck Heath at 608-848-4500 or visit www.cherryvalleylodge.com.
-
Double JJ Ranch & New Frontier Indoor Waterpark
at Rothbury MI will open its 50 condominiums in July 2006 and is expected
to open its 50,000 sf New Frontier indoor waterpark by December 2006. The
indoor waterpark features a 57-foot high waterslide, 3 other waterslides,
wave pool, lazy river, activity pool, 2 kid slides and 2 hot tubs. The
Double JJ Ranch is near Muskegon, intercepts travelers driving from Chicago
to Traverse City and is one of west Michigan�s largest tourism investments
ever, according owners Bob and Joan Lipsitz. A 50,000 sf Conference Center
is scheduled to open in February 2007. You can reach Bob and Joan at 231-894-4444.
Under Construction & Opening in 2007:
USA
Of the 73 hotel waterpark resorts that were under
construction or will break ground in 2006, thirty-seven (37) are expected
to open in 2007 & beyond:
Name |
Location |
ST |
Rms |
Indoor
Waterpark
Sq Ft |
Open |
Interlaken
Resort & Spa Room & IWP Add |
Lake
Geneva |
WI |
414
|
50,000
|
200701 |
Grand
Casino Resort's O-IWP |
Tunica |
MS |
1,356
|
100,000
|
200701 |
Indoor
Waterpark & Recreation Center |
Waverly |
IN |
0
|
300,000
|
200701 |
Split
Rock Galleria IWP Addition |
Lake
Harmony |
PA |
0
|
40,000
|
200702 |
Holiday
Inn & Suites Arbor Lakes |
Maple
Grove |
MN |
136
|
24,000
|
200703 |
Surfpark
at Randall's Island Aquatic Center |
New
York City |
NY |
0
|
182,000
|
200703 |
Lodge
at Storm Lake & IWP |
Storm
Lake |
IA |
100
|
20,000
|
200703 |
Canad
Inns Splashers at Alerus Center |
Grand
Forks |
ND |
192
|
40,000
|
200704 |
Great
Wolf Lodge |
Grand
Mound-Centralia |
WA |
317
|
65,000
|
200704 |
Holiday
Inn Eagle Ridge & Waterpark |
Grand
Rapids |
MN |
120
|
20,000
|
200704 |
Days
Inn Add Great Adventure IWP |
Bellevue-Omaha |
NE |
129
|
35,000
|
200705 |
Big
Horn Resort (Wingate) & Waterpark |
Billings |
MT |
250
|
35,000
|
200706 |
Lodge
& IWP at Northern Bay Golf Resort |
Castle
Rock Lake |
WI |
225
|
20,000
|
200706 |
Greek
Peak Ski Resort Expansion |
Syracuse
South |
NY |
106
|
22,000
|
200706 |
Kelly
Inn |
West
Yellowstone |
MT |
78
|
2,500
|
200706 |
Best
Western Aberdeen Convert IWP |
Aberdeen |
SD |
154
|
|
200706 |
Deadwood
Mtn Resort & IWP |
Deadwood |
SD |
|
18,000
|
200803 |
BW
Ramkota Hotel Convert IWP |
Casper |
WY |
229
|
|
200706 |
Bridges
Bay Resort & IWP |
Spirit
Lake |
IA |
144
|
19,800
|
200703 |
Hotel
Condos & Indoor Waterpark |
Woodinville |
IN |
150
|
|
200706 |
KeyLime
Cove Resort IWP |
Gurnee |
IL |
611
|
80,000
|
200707 |
Wilderness
Resort Phase 1 & Event Center |
Sevierville |
TN |
264
|
|
200707 |
Wilderness
Resort Phase 2 & I-OWP |
Sevierville |
TN |
348
|
80,000
|
200707 |
Radisson
Resort & Waterpark |
Albuquerque |
NM |
314
|
23,000
|
200709 |
Grand
Cambrian Resort & I-OWP |
Wisconsin
Dells |
WI |
308
|
35,000
|
200709 |
Paradise
Bay Resort & Waterpark |
Fishers |
IN |
216
|
80,000
|
200710 |
Great
Wolf Lodge at Grapevine |
Grapevine |
TX |
404
|
80,000
|
200710 |
Executive
Inn & IWP Add |
Owensboro |
KY |
544
|
40,000
|
200710 |
Great
Wolf Resort Additions |
Traverse
City |
MI |
130
|
41,000
|
200710 |
Upper
Skagit Hotel & Waterpark |
Bow |
WA |
240
|
47,000
|
200712 |
Wyndham
Garden Condo & IWP |
Kent |
WA |
150
|
6,000
|
200712 |
River
Bluff Resort |
McGregor |
IA |
345
|
49,000
|
200712 |
Lake
Lawn Resort Additions Phase 2 |
Delavan |
WI |
800
|
130,000
|
200803 |
Grand
Sierra Resort & Casino |
Reno |
NV |
2,000
|
150,000
|
200803 |
Grizzly
Falls Resort & Waterpark |
Rosemont |
IL |
400
|
100,000
|
200803 |
Lodge
at Schlitterbahn Vacation Village |
Kansas
City |
KS |
300
|
|
200901 |
Chula
Vista Exp Phase 2 |
Wisconsin
Dells |
WI |
534
|
|
200907 |
Coming soon, a few projects are worth mentioning
in more detail:
KeyLime Cove Resort & Waterpark in Gurnee
IL could break ground on its 30 acres this summer, according to developer
Famous Dave Anderson, owner of the nationwide barbecue restaurant chain.
The $125 million hotel waterpark resort includes a 611-room hotel and 80,000
sf indoor waterpark, 3 restaurants, spa and a 12,000 sf conference center
that could eventually expand to 50,000 sf. Gurnee is one of the top tourist
destinations in Illiniois with Six Flags Great America theme park and Gurnee
Mills mall. To get the project in Gurnee, rather than across the border
in Wisconsin, village officials agreed to a 20-year 3.5% lodging tax rather
the normal 5 percent.
Grizzly Falls Resort & Waterpark in Rosemont
IL, near O�Hare International Airport, is expected to break ground
later this year with a 400-room hotel, 100,000 sf indoor waterpark, spa,
family entertainment center, food court, concierge and limo service, according
to Chicago-based Landmark Resorts & Hotels. Landmark is a new company
formed by former Great Wolf Resort executives Craig Stark and Eric Lund.
Soon, Chicagoland will have four major hotel waterpark
resorts to keep families in Illinois rather than traveling to Wisconsin.
KeyLime Cove Resort and Grizzly Falls Resort will become new competitors
with the existing Sheraton Northwest & Waterpark in Arlington Heights
and the recently announced Sun Island Resort & Waterpark in Hoffman
Estates IL shown here.
Wilderness Resort is underway with its hotel
waterpark resort in Sevierville TN, joining the ranks of Great Wolf
Resorts and Kalahari Resorts who have constructed waterpark resort projects
outside Wisconsin Dells. Owners Peter Helland and Tom Lucke plan to build
a 264-room, six-story lodge and waterpark next to the city�s planned 200,000
sf Events Center. Both are expected to open in Summer 2007. Wilderness
Resort also proposes building a second resort hotel on a separate 14-acre
site southeast of the Event Center. The second project would have about
348 guest rooms and an 80,000 sf indoor waterpark. Reach Peter Helland
at 608-253-9729.
The
indoor Surfpark at Randall�s Island Aquatic Center in NYC broke ground
in April 2006 and is expected to open in Spring 2007. At 182,000 sf, not
only will this be the largest indoor waterpark in the USA, it will be the
first indoor Surfpark in the nation. A Surfpark is more than just a wave
pool with 2 to 4-foot waves; a Surfpark can generate surf-quality waves
of 9-feet or higher. New York City Parks & Recreation Department selected
Aquatic Development Group of Cohoes NY to design, develop and operate the
park under a 35-year lease. ADG (Wavetek) partnered with ASR (Surftek)
of New Zealand to develop the surf-quality wave technology. A wedge-shaped
pool and adjustable floor configurations using a computer are used to create
the surf-quality waves. ADG is involved in the construction of a second
indoor Surfpark (Ron Jon) in Orlando, which may open before Randall�s Island.
You can talk to Ken Ellis at ADG by dialing 518-783-0038 or going to www.aquaticgroup.com.
Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno NV
is expected start soon on its renovation and expansion of the 1995-room
former Reno Hilton. The property sits on 148 acres with a 30-acre lake.
Plans include converting 824 hotel rooms to condominiums, developing 2,000
residential condos and remodeling the entire hotel. New additions include
a 50,000 sf outdoor waterpark and a 150,000 sf indoor waterpark, which
will become one of the largest hotel waterpark resort in the USA. The Grand
Sierra executive team includes Tom Schrade, Dodd Mitchell, Bob Pace, Scott
Bayless and Terry Ramaker. For more info, call Bob Pace at 320-267-8549.
In Development 2006: USA
We have identified 108 hotel waterpark projects that
are in the planning and development process --- anywhere from feasibility
to preliminary design to financing to final approval on permits. However,
not all of these projects are likely to break ground.
.
Hotel Waterparks in Development 2006
State |
Hotel
Waterpark
Resort
Projects
|
Number
of
Hotel
Rooms
|
Indoor
Waterpark
Square
Footage
|
Minnesota |
13
|
2,754
|
428,000
|
Michigan |
11
|
2,295
|
516,093
|
Wisconsin |
10
|
2,112
|
364,000
|
Illinois |
7
|
1,924
|
270,000
|
Pennsylvania |
7
|
1,500
|
282000
|
Indiana |
6
|
950
|
185,000
|
New
York |
5
|
2,522
|
283,000
|
Iowa |
5
|
534
|
140,000
|
Washington |
4
|
1,063
|
160,000
|
North
Dakota |
4
|
780
|
81,200
|
Colorado |
3
|
1,050
|
180,000
|
Massachusetts |
3
|
1,047
|
160,000
|
Texas |
3
|
975
|
120,000
|
Arizona |
3
|
880
|
113,000
|
California |
3
|
850
|
140,000
|
Virginia |
3
|
700
|
140,000
|
Missouri |
3
|
380
|
90,000
|
New
Hampshire |
2
|
567
|
87,234
|
South
Dakota |
2
|
367
|
75,000
|
New
Jersey |
2
|
200
|
90,000
|
Mississippi |
1
|
1200
|
60,000
|
Connecticut |
1
|
350
|
40,000
|
Ohio |
1
|
300
|
60,000
|
West
Virginia |
1
|
300
|
60,000
|
South
Carolina |
1
|
300
|
40,000
|
Idaho |
1
|
200
|
40,000
|
Maryland |
1
|
200
|
40,000
|
Montana |
1
|
200
|
40,000
|
Oregon |
1
|
200
|
30,000
|
Totals |
108
|
26,099
|
4,109,527
|
Until hotel waterpark developers actually announce
their projects to the public, we do not publish locations or project details.
However, anyone wanting to discuss the competitive supply, hotel waterpark
demand for particular markets and/or the feasibility of particular sites
may call 480-488-3382 or email [email protected].
Under Construction 2006: Canada
Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, Ontario,
opened its 404 rooms and 103,000 sf Bear Track Landing indoor waterpark
in April 2006. Ripley Entertainment Inc, a Jim Pattison Company, spent
about $200 million on the family resort destination that includes a Ripley-owned
Great Wolf Lodge on a 25-acre parcel along the Niagara River, just north
of downtown Niagara Falls, Canada. Ripley�s is the first license ever granted
for a Great Wolf Lodge.
There were also plans for a state of the art 115,000
sf Ripley�s Aquarium of Canada; however owner Jim Pattison has put the
new aquarium on hold due to the triple whammy --- (1) outlandish gas prices,
(2) the strong Canadian dollar and most importantly (3) the Bush government�s
new program that will require all travelers, including US citizens, to
have a passport or "other accepted (ID) document" to cross the border into
the US, most likely by June 2009. Causing fear on many levels in Ontario,
no one here knows for certain yet what "other accepted document" means,
or what it will cost.
What Canadians do know is that few US citizens own
passports, and that it would be ridiculously expensive for a family to
get the documents for a trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario. Typically, about
14 million people, almost half of them Americans, flock to this city. Some
say that many Americans think the passport requirement is already in effect.
Last year, Niagara Falls Ontario saw a 15% drop in
visitors from the US. Attraction owners think, when the border control
go into effect, one million fewer Americans will visit here. You can talk
to Bob Masterson at 615-646-7465.
The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark in Niagara Falls,
Ontario opened its 125,000 sf of indoor waterpark space in April 2006.
Best Western Hotel & Indoor Waterpark in Stettler
AB will open in July 2007.
Under Construction & In Development
2006: Rest of World
-
Kerzner�s Atlantis Resort Expansion, Nasaau, Bahamas
-
Baha Mar & Eco Waterpark, Nassau, Bahamas
-
Kerzner�s Atlantis Resort, Dubai, UAE
-
Al Areen Desert Spa & Resort, Manama, Bahrain
-
Centre Parc, Paris, France
-
Vilnius Waterpark, Vilnius, Lithuania
-
Ogmio Astra Pramogu Centras Indoor Waterpark, Vilnius,
Lithuania
-
Wodny Indoor Waterpark, Lodz, Poland
-
Wodny Indoor Waterpark, Warschau, Poland
-
Murphy�s Wave Pool, Bagdad, Iraq
-
Aqua Dunya & Jumeirah Resort at Dubailand, Dubai,
UEA
-
Sands Resort & Kinderland Waterpark, Yorkshire,
UK
-
Marina Bay Family Resort with Indoor-Outdoor Waterpark,
Singapore, SG
Hotel Waterpark Resort Research &
Consulting is a collaboration of Jeff Coy & Bill Haralson. Coy heads
JLC Hospitality Consulting and is certified by the International Society
of Hospitality Consultants. Haralson heads William L. Haralson & Associates
and is a Hall of Fame member of the World Waterpark Association. For more
info, contact Jeff at 480-488-3382 or email [email protected].
Website is www.jeffcoy.com. Reach
Bill at 972-231-7444 or email [email protected].
Website is www.wlha-inc.com.
|