$25M hotel makeover wins award

SARASOTA — The Holiday Inn-Airport, just outside the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, has won the chain's Torchbearer Award for excellence.

The hotel, which underwent a $25 million renovation in 2010, was one of 102 hotels to win the award out of 4,500 in the worldwide chain, InterContinental Hotels Group, according to a release. Kirk Kinsell, president for the Americas of IHG, called the Holiday Inn-Airport “one of the top hotels in our industry,” the release states. The Torchbearer Award is the chain's most prestigious recognition.

Local entrepreneur and developer Jiten Patel led the project to rebuild the hotel, starting in 2007. The $25 million project covered construction and interior build-out, and ran at least 20% more than a standard Holiday Inn costs to build in some cities. Features include a central air-conditioning system in the lobby that spritzes fresh scents, an indoor pool and spa and a skylight atrium. For more on the project, click here.