$75 million Fairfield Inn & Suites on Pensacola Beach now open

From Staff Reports
Updated ·4 min read

Nearly three years after Hurricane Sally decimated the former Best Western Beachside Resort on Pensacola Beach, its gorgeous replacement is complete and opens for visitors today.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach at 16 Via de Luna Drive, opened just days before the busiest week on the beach, Blue Angels weekend.

“In many ways, this milestone opening of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach marks the final piece of the Island’s recovery from Hurricane Sally,” said Ted Ent, president and CEO of Innisfree Hotels. “We’re proud to once again provide the community with a new, robust hotel that has incredible accommodations and amenities to attract locals and visitors for many years to come.”

What's planned? New Pensacola Beach Fairfield Inn and Suites reaches key point in $75 million project

Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach opens for business Saturday, July 1. The $75 million, 209-room hotel features the largest lazy river on the Gulf Coast.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach opens for business Saturday, July 1. The $75 million, 209-room hotel features the largest lazy river on the Gulf Coast.

Here's what you will find in the new hotel

  • The Gulf Coast’s largest lazy river: At 315 feet long and holding 60,000 gallons of water, the lazy river meanders past three waterfalls, a skyline of palm trees, a hot tub, and a zero-entry pool, giving rafters a long, memorable ride. Other water features include an adult pool, two hot tubs, and direct access to the crystal-white sands and pristine waters of Pensacola Beach.

  • Fun and delicious food and beverage outlets: Fish Heads, the popular pool bar and grill with unbeatable views of the Gulf of Mexico from an open-air deck, has reopened on-site, offering its famous fish tacos, flat-grilled cheeseburgers, ice-cold tropical cocktails, and more. The property also boasts a beautiful elevated lobby bar that overlooks the Gulf. And, of course, the famous Fairfield full, hot breakfast is always complimentary for guests.

  • State-of-the-art fitness center: A spacious 800-square-foot modern facility with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa Sound with workout equipment from top performance brands.

  • Modern upgrades for comfort and convenience: High-speed wifi is available throughout the property, and central AC provides quiet, efficient, and healthy air circulation in guest rooms and public areas. Gulf-facing rooms feature oversize furnished balconies. A comprehensive recycling and sustainability program is on par with Innisfree’s and RREAF’s rigorous environmental standards.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach opens for business Saturday, July 1. The $75 million, 209-room hotel features the largest lazy river on the Gulf Coast.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach opens for business Saturday, July 1. The $75 million, 209-room hotel features the largest lazy river on the Gulf Coast.

Hurricane Sally damage: Best Western on Pensacola Beach to be torn down, rebuilt as resort after hurricane damage

The Fairfield has 209 rooms and is 11 stories high.

Pensacola Beach is the Gulf Coast’s only true beach-to-bay Island experience. There is plenty to see and do within walking distance, including great, award-winning restaurants like Salt, Sal de Mar, Riptides Grill and Tiki Bar, Red Fish Blue Fish (pet-friendly!), and Water Pig BBQ. Also, a free trolley stops at the hotel and will take guests anywhere on Pensacola Beach.

Who owns the Fairfield Inn & Suites?

The 209-room, $75 million beachfront property is a collaboration between Gulf Breeze-based Innisfree Hotels (innisfreehotels.com) and Dallas-based RREAF Holdings.

Innisfree owns or manages more than 24 hotel properties — about 3,500 rooms — and employs approximately 2,000 people. Innisfree is the largest beachfront hotel owner-operator on the Gulf Coast.

RREAF Holdings LLC is a privately held, vertically integrated commercial real estate company based in Dallas, Texas with roots that go back 37 years in the industry.

"Our collaboration with Innisfree Hotels brings together our collective strengths in both commercial real estate and hospitality to create a remarkable experience for guests," said Mitch Provosty, chief financial officer of RREAF Holdings. "Through this partnership, we are not only offering something new and exciting for residents directly in the area, but are also helping to attract outside business to Pensacola Beach, creating a steady opportunity for financial and community growth."

How can I visit?

Reservations can be made by visiting fairfieldpensacolabeach.com or calling 850-932-1889.

As of June 30, Pensacola Beach visitors are already flocking to Marriott’s brand-new Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach. The property is on pace to break a Marriott record for the highest number of pre-opening rooms booked for a Fairfield Inn.

Residents who just want to enjoy the outdoor amenities will be able to purchase the Resort Pass in the future. Participation in the program is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.

Visit pnj.com next week for a behind the scenes look as we take readers on a tour of all of the amenities at Fairfield Inn and Suites Pensacola Beach.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach opens July 1 with lazy river