The Sirata Beach Resort unveiled a $25 million renovation Wednesday night during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a major transformation for the 65-year-old property.

The overhaul included the addition of central air conditioning, hurricane impact windows, refurbished guest rooms, renovated restaurants, and an updated pool and beachfront bar. As part of the project, the resort also joined the Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

“We’ve got brand new rooms with central AC, hurricane impact windows, and now we’re part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton,” said Shari Irwin, the resort’s director of sales and marketing. Resort leadership said the celebration drew local business leaders, tourists, and community members.

The completed renovations come amid an ongoing, separate development dispute involving the same property. In February 2024, St. Pete Beach city commissioners voted 3-2 to approve plans for a 10-story JW Marriott and a nine-story Hampton Inn on the site, an expansion that would push the resort’s total capacity above 600 rooms. Nearby residents challenged the approval in court, citing concerns over traffic, building height, and overdevelopment, but a Pinellas County judge ruled in favor of the city, allowing the commission’s approval to stand.

District 2 City Commissioner Lisa Robinson described the broader debate over growth on the beach as an ongoing struggle to balance development with resident concerns.

There is currently no confirmed timeline for construction of the two proposed hotel towers. Resort management says those plans remain on hold amid the continuing legal challenges.

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