Hotel management, development firm opens new hotel

LAKELAND — Tampa-based McKibbon Hospitality and its partner, Lakeland Hospitality Group, officially opened SpringHill Suites Lakeland with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday. 

The 126-room hotel, located at 511 W. Lime St., Lakeland, had been in development since October 2018, according to a press release. It will be managed by McKibbon Hospitality, with General Manager John Loute overseeing all operations and leading the team on property.

“Opening this hotel — the first SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Lakeland — has been such a rewarding experience” states Wesley Barnett, manager of Lakeland Hospitality Group and grandson of Publix Super Markets founder George Jenkins, in the release. “Not only are we excited about the economic growth the hotel will bring to Lakeland, we’re excited for the hotel to become an integral part of the community, drawing visitors from near and far.”

The property features more than 4,100 square feet of functional event space, onsite catering by Publix Aprons, five poolside cabana-style suites and two executive/bridal suites, the release states. 

“I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this project and am beyond excited to officially welcome guests to enjoy all that SpringHill Suites Lakeland has to offer,” Loute states in the release. “From our team of dedicated hospitality professionals to the hotel’s little touches and amenities, we’re confident our guests will love their time spent with us.”