Hilton Head Island, SC - September 24, 2012 – Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island today announced a $30 million planned total renovation of its 340 guest rooms and the hotel’s public spaces, and the addition of a new spa.  The renovation will begin this December and will be complete in the spring 2013.  The planned renovations, under the creative leadership of the design firm Sims Patrick Studio, Inc. with the architectural firm designONE studio, will transform the hotel’s look and feel, modernizing the hotel while bringing a cohesive relaxed elegance to the resort.

The resort’s amenities are the focus of one of the most inspired changes.  Two existing swimming pools will be recreated to include a zero entry, lagoon style pool and an indoor/outdoor pool fully integrating with outdoor entertaining spaces. The sundeck and terrace surrounding the pools will offer private cabanas, lounges, outdoor beds, oversized umbrellas and innovative lighting.  A new full service spa will feature a tranquil setting with three private treatment rooms, a manicure/ pedicure room and a post-treatment relaxation room.

The remodeled guest rooms, inspired by the landscape of Hilton Head Island, will have new custom furniture and fully updated living spaces.  New furnishings and finishes will appeal to both business travelers and families, with an oversized desk/activity table, pullout sofa and lightweight ottomans for additional seating.  A coffee nook near the guest room’s entrance will accommodate a coffee maker and refrigerator. New exterior guest balcony patio furniture and finishes will dramatically enhance views of the property.  Guest room bathrooms will be upgraded with new vanities, new fixtures and porcelain wall and floor tile as well as a large mirror with integrated lighting for a modern feel.

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island plans to completely recreate the lobby and event space, as well as to add a junior ballroom.  The updated lobby atrium will feature new sculpture art and new furniture and finishes.  The lobby will be expanded to include an exterior stone patio with outdoor seating in the lushly landscaped courtyard overlooking the pool and sundeck.  The new lobby bar area will have a contemporary tech lounge, coffee bar and an intimate lounge area.  Function rooms containing 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space will be fully renovated with new wall coverings, carpet and light fixtures.

The updated restaurant, complete with new furniture, will offer indoor, outdoor and covered outdoor seating.  The public area will feature a new guest amenity, “The Porch” offering guests a new dining, socializing and place for quiet conversation with a two-sided fireplace and wood deck flooring.  The outdoor pavilion, used for weddings and social events, will be remodeled with new finishes, countertops and patio furniture.  The children’s playroom and fitness center will receive new flooring and wall coverings.

“Sonesta has always been known for providing the highest level of accommodations and service in the hospitality industry,” said Jay Wiendl, General Manager of Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island.  “Our team is excited to be part of this tradition as we embark on the transformation to a true destination resort that embraces all that Hilton Head Island has to offer.”

Renovations are expected to be completed in the spring 2013.  The renovations are a part of the Sonesta Collection’s plan to perform major renovations at all 24 of its domestic hotels over the next two years.

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is a AAA approved Four Diamond resort offering 340 guest rooms and suites overlooking lushly landscaped semi-tropical gardens, with spectacular beach and lagoon style swimming pool. First class amenities include a full service restaurant, health spa, fitness center, lap pool, 22,500 square feet of meeting and event space (including a social meeting pavilion near the beach) and 24-hour business center. Complimentary transportation is provided to world-class golf and tennis located within the Hilton Head’s Shipyard complex. The hotel is located just 45 miles from Savannah, and 7 miles from Hilton Head Island airport, in an area surrounded by outdoor recreation, shopping and fine dining.

Discover Sonesta Hotels & Resorts in Baltimore, Boston, Hilton Head Island, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Sint Maarten (2), Chile (3), Colombia (4), Ecuador, Peru (7), and Egypt (13). Sonesta Hotels & Resorts are opening soon in: Panama City, Panama and Doha, Qatar.  Sonesta ES Suites is a new extended stay hotel brand managed by Sonesta. Each property features rooms with a dynamic work area designed for today’s traveler, locally inspired food and beverage and flexible common space for connecting with others. You will find Sonesta ES Suites in Andover MA, Atlanta GA, Auburn Hills MI, Burlington MA, Charlotte NC, Columbia MD, Dublin OH, Flagstaff AZ, Houston TX, Orlando FL, Parsippany NJ, Princeton NJ, Malvern PA, Myrtle Beach SC, St. Louis MO, Schaumburg IL and Somerset NJ. For more about the Sonesta Collection, visit Sonesta.com or call +1.617.315.9100 or 800.Sonesta (800.766.3782) in the U.S. and Canada.