ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. -- After a year in progress, the 585-room
TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort will complete an $8 million
remodeling job this month.
The new interior design has a tropical feel, with colors in
bright blues, yellows and reds set off by white furniture,
according to a spokeswoman. "It's a full makeover," she said.
The remodeled rooms also feature new kitchen cabinets and
appliances, and granite countertops were added in the kitchens and
bathrooms.
In addition to its new look, the Island Grand is making a move
toward the family market with several innovations targeted at
children.
The property now features a show called "Pirate Island"
Wednesdays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. The show is free to guests of
any of the three TradeWinds properties: the Island Grand, Sirata
Beach Resort and Sandpiper Hotel & Suites, which are within
walking distance of each other.
On the Royal Conquest Pirate Cruise, clients can sail the canal
surrounding the hotel on a gondola that resembles a pirate
ship.
On Fridays, the hotel holds a Beach Party with dancing on the
beach and hula hoop and limbo contests.
The Swashbucklin' by the Sea package starts at $699 per room for
a family of three for four nights. It includes a Royal Conquest
Pirate Cruise for three; a boatload of shrimp and a pitcher of beer
at the Shrimp Shack; "Redbeard's Pirate Show"; a family movie; and
a $50 certificate for activities.
The package is available through Dec. 24.
For reservations, call (866) 587-8538. For more information,
visit www.justletgo.com.