Hilton Anaheim, Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin and Washington Duke Inn showcase major renovations, new openings, and enhanced amenities for modern travelers
Southern California and Florida are welcoming a wave of hotel transformations and highly anticipated openings in 2025 and 2026, offering travelers refreshed accommodations, elevated dining, and reimagined public and event spaces. Hilton Anaheim has completed a multi-million-dollar renovation with updated guest rooms, modernized meeting spaces, a rooftop terrace and new dining concepts.
The Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel in Newport Beach is set to open this fall as a 25-room boutique retreat with individually designed rooms, open-air gathering spaces and a relaxed coastal vibe. In Florida, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is expanding with over 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, while Washington Duke Inn in Durham unveils redesigned suites, lobby and dining to blend historic charm with contemporary comfort.
Walt Disney Swan & Dolphin
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin has reached a significant milestone in its event space expansion, completing the structural frame of a new facility that will add more than 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space. Slated to open in late summer 2026, the expansion will bring the resort’s total flexible event space to 449,000 sq. ft. across the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve, alongside 2,619 guest rooms, establishing the property as one of the largest convention hotels on the East Coast.
The project is part of a $300 million investment, marking the largest renovation and expansion in the resort’s history. Updates include extensive enhancements to existing meeting spaces, the recently completed Swan guest room upgrades and upcoming renovations for Dolphin guest rooms.
Hilton Anaheim
Hilton Anaheim, the largest hotel in Orange County and a premier destination steps from Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland Resort, proudly announces the completion of its comprehensive, multi-million-dollar renovation. The transformation, which began in July 2024, culminated with a grand unveiling on Oct. 23, 2025, included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with local officials, guided property tours for VIPs and an evening celebration for guests and attendees.
The renovation encompasses all 1,574 guest rooms and suites, now refreshed with modern furnishings, spacious layouts, calming earth tones and vibrant accent blues inspired by California landscapes. Meeting and event spaces spanning 105,959 sq. ft. have been redesigned with sophisticated finishes, flexible layouts and upgraded technology.
Public spaces including the lobby and Poppy’s Lounge have been reimagined as inviting communal hubs, while new dining concepts offer a distinct Southern California culinary experience, including Poppy’s Restaurant, Hansen’s Market, Saltflower poolside dining and a renovated Starbucks.
Outdoor spaces feature the Anaheim Rooftide Terrace with pool, hot tubs, kids’ splash area, fire pits, lawn games and alfresco dining, providing year-round resort-style enjoyment.
Bayshores Peninsula Hotel
Nestled along the sun-soaked shores of Newport Beach, the 25-room Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel captures the charm of a classic seaside escape. Each guest room is individually designed and complemented by thoughtful amenities including custom beach coolers, beach toys and bike rentals. The property’s bespoke service embodies the quintessential Southern California experience.
Bay Shores features The Penny and The Pearl, two open-air gathering spaces ideal for golden hour lounging, private celebrations and intimate events. An all-day café offers seasonal, locally sourced fare that reflects the coastal energy of the hotel.
Originally built in the 1960s and lovingly re-envisioned for today’s traveler, Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel is a modern hideaway that embodies the effortless charm and relaxed sophistication of Newport Beach.
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, a AAA Four Diamond hotel owned by Duke University, has completed the latest phase of its 18-month property-wide transformation, marking a milestone in the property’s evolution and reaffirming its reputation as “Duke’s living room.”
The redesigned lobby blends sophisticated and inviting elements with subtle nods to Duke’s history. Rich mahogany accents, custom furnishings and thoughtful design details create a welcoming environment that serves as a central gathering place for students, alumni, visitors and the local community.
Updates extend to key accommodations, including the Presidential and Homestead Suites and Terrace Suites, refreshed with brighter, contemporary interiors while preserving historic charm. Guests enjoy refined fabrics, modern finishes and elevated amenities that meet the expectations of today’s travelers.
The AAA Four Diamond Fairview Dining Room has also been revitalized with enhanced décor and atmosphere, reflecting the Inn’s commitment to blending heritage with modern comfort.
With these updates, the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club continues to offer a premier hospitality experience in Durham.
