Sirata Beach Resort sells for over $200M

The iconic 13-acre Sirata Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach has sold for $207 million. 

The Sirata Beach Resort and Conference Center at 5390 Gulf Blvd. sold to an entity connected to the privately-owned, Kentucky-based hotel company Columbia Sussex Corporation. 

Columbia Sussex has multiple Marriott, Hilton, and Starwood brand hotels in its portfolio, including the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa and the Tampa Marriott Westshore hotel. 

The Sirata Beach Resort, which opened in the 1960s, last sold in 2017 to Texas-based Cresent Real Estate group for $108.19 million. 

Several years ago, the beachfront 382-room resort had a $15 million facelift with major upgrades including new pools, upgraded guest rooms, amenities and two murals by local artist Derek Donnelly. 

The resort is known for its pools, access to a private beach and 30,000-square-foot function space for conferences and events. 

It’s also home to Harry’s Beach Bar, the oldest beach bar on St. Pete Beach, founded in 1983. It’s named after Harry Nicklaus, one of the resort’s original owners. 

Columbia Sussex took out a $22.8 million loan from Huntington National Bank for the purchase of the resort, according to public records.