Margaritaville Casino to build new hotel

BILOXI, Miss. (AP) -- The owners of Margaritaville Casino in Biloxi will build a new hotel next spring with an eye toward a 2015 opening.

Doug Shipley, Margaritaville's president/CEO, said in a news release Tuesday that the new hotel will feature 250 rooms including 170 deluxe guest rooms and 80 two- and three-bedroom suites. He said the casino will offer some time-share units.

"Margaritaville Biloxi will be making a considerable investment in creating a resort destination the likes of which Biloxi has never seen.

"The addition of time-shares to our hotel will attract a whole new type of customer; one that's not currently visiting the Biloxi area. It truly is an exciting opportunity for our city," Shipley said.

In addition to the hotel, Shipley said Margaritaville will expand and renovate the casino floor, adding meeting space and a resort-style pool and spa. He said the casino will open a new steakhouse.

Shipley said Margaritaville Biloxi will make improvements at its marina to provide more secured overnight docking accommodations, as well as developing a bay-front resort pool and pool bar with outdoor gambling.

Cuningham Group will be the designer and architect of the new project. The McDonnel Group of New Orleans has been selected as the general contractor.