From Seattle to San Diego, hotels are redefining modern hospitality with bold renovations, sustainable design, and reimagined guest experiences
Across the country, leading properties are unveiling remarkable transformations that blend innovation with local character. Highlights include the $40 million redesign of Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center, the debut of Populus Seattle in Pioneer Square, and the latest renovation milestones at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. From California’s coastal Avila Village Inn to Hilton Anaheim’s vibrant new lobby and Hyatt Regency Coconut Point’s refreshed event spaces, these updates showcase the evolving landscape of meetings, leisure, and luxury travel.
Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 brands, has unveiled the new Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center following a six-month, $40 million renovation. Built on the site of the historic Capp Towers Motor Hotel, the property offers 23,500 sq. ft. of flexible event and meeting space designed for groups of all sizes. Each venue features updated lighting, carpeting and millwork. The fully reimagined lobby serves as a welcoming social hub, highlighted by The Community Table for collaborative work, The Booths for quiet focus and The Studios, bright tech-equipped spaces ideal for small meetings.
Populus Seattle
Populus Hotels, a collection of carbon positive hotels, has opened Populus Seattle in historic Pioneer Square. The 120-room boutique hotel features Firn, the neighborhood’s first rooftop bar, and Salt Harvest, a restaurant inspired by Pacific Northwest flavors. Rooted in sustainability, Populus plants a tree for every night’s stay through its One Night, One Tree program, and its design reflects the region’s lush natural beauty. Guests can enjoy artful communal spaces including The Library and The Art Room, ideal for meetings and gatherings of up to 70 guests. The property’s serene guest rooms and suites blend luxury with organic elements, highlighted by the spacious Summit Suite with a private terrace overlooking the city.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego renovated its seaport tower and began welcoming guests in June 2025. This marked a major milestone in its multi-year transformation. Following the relaunch of its signature restaurant Sally’s, the hotel has introduced the first wave of redesigned accommodations by award-winning Parker Torres Design. The new deluxe rooms blend coastal luxury with nautical charm, featuring curved details, rich wood accents and blue tones inspired by San Diego’s bay.
The Seaport Tower rooms are now available for booking, with the full tower renovation completed by year-end and Harbor Tower updates set to follow through summer 2026. The project is part of a comprehensive property-wide refresh encompassing all 1,628 guest rooms and suites, 320,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, multiple dining venues and two rooftop pool decks.
Avila Beach
Tucked beneath sycamore trees along California’s Central Coast, Avila Village Inn has unveiled an expansion that elevates its boutique charm with new accommodations and enhanced amenities. The property added 18 rooms in the new Forest Building and refreshed all 30 rooms in the original Craftsman Building.
Embracing a Modern Craftsman style, the design features white oak furnishings, earthy tones and handcrafted details inspired by the surrounding landscape. The expansion introduces family suites, pet-friendly options and select rooms with private balconies and soaking tubs. Guests enjoy exclusive access to the Avila Bay Athletic Club, complimentary bikes for the nearby Bob Jones Trail and proximity to beaches, golf and dining.
Hilton Anaheim
Hilton Anaheim, the largest hotel in Orange County, has unveiled its fully reimagined lobby, Poppy’s Lounge. The debut marks the second phase of the property’s multi-phase renovation designed to modernize the hotel and enhance the guest experience. The transformed lobby now serves as a vibrant social hub with expanded seating, natural textures and LED lighting that evokes the calm of a California sky.
At its heart, Poppy’s Lounge offers shareable bites and a relaxed, yet refined atmosphere anchored by a custom Los Angeles–made chandelier. This unveiling follows extensive updates to meeting spaces, guest floors, ballrooms and outdoor decks.
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs will begin a multi-million-dollar renovation of its meeting and event spaces this July, enhancing one of Florida’s premier resort destinations. The redesign will feature coastal-inspired tones of ocean blue, lush green and sandy beige, complemented by new artwork, modern lighting, updated restrooms and a refreshed registration area with digital signage.
The Calusa Ballroom Terrace will also receive upgraded landscaping, lighting and integrated turf to elevate outdoor events. This project follows recent enhancements, including a full guest room renovation in 2022, the redesigned Tarpon Bay restaurant and expanded water park in 2023 and the reimagined Tanglewood – A Southern Kitchen in 2024.
