News Summary
Orlando is set to welcome a new luxury hotel as Unicorp National Development and Flag Luxury Group plan to build a 700-room InterContinental Hotel at 8001 International Drive. The project is expected to break ground in 2026, replacing the former Wyndham Resort, which has already been demolished. The new hotel will also feature modern dining options, extensive meeting spaces, a wellness center, and a swimming pool, furthering Orlando’s reputation as a premier destination for travelers.
Orlando is set to welcome a new luxury hotel, as Unicorp National Development and Flag Luxury Group announce plans for a 700-room InterContinental Hotel at 8001 International Drive. Breaking ground is expected in the first quarter of 2026, with an anticipated opening date in 2028.
The new InterContinental Hotel will replace the former Wyndham Resort and Convention Center, which featured 613 guest rooms spread across 16 two-story villa-style buildings that have already been demolished. Although the old resort was removed, the convention center building on Sand Lake Road will undergo renovations and remain operational.
Initial plans for the hotel proposed 784 guest rooms, but following an application to the county, the room count has been reduced to 700. Design plans, created by LandDesign, indicate that the hotel will be a modern 12-story building situated directly south of the existing convention center.
Part of the project includes a six-story parking deck, which will provide 734 parking spots east of the hotel. In addition, the InterContinental will feature multiple dining options with five restaurants and bar concepts, promoting a diverse culinary experience for guests.
Occupying approximately 106,000 square feet, the hotel will offer extensive meeting and event space to cater to business travelers. The hotel is also set to include a 15,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, a gym, and a pool with lounge areas primarily located on the ground floor.
The President of Unicorp highlighted that the new hotel will cater to international travelers, aiming to offer a luxurious experience that approaches five-star quality without reaching that designation.
The site has growth potential, with entitlements for up to 2,000 hotel rooms, allowing for the future development of one or two additional hotels, reflecting the ongoing demand for accommodations in the Orlando area.
This development comes at a time when Orlando is witnessing a surge in demand for luxury hotels, solidifying its reputation as a top destination for both leisure and business travelers. The InterContinental will be the third property for the brand in Florida.
In conjunction with the InterContinental Hotel, IHG Hotels & Resorts is also developing a dual-branded EVEN and Staybridge Suites hotel in the vicinity, which is expected to open in early 2026. Additionally, plans are underway for a boutique luxury 261-room Kimpton Hotel in downtown Orlando, which is slated to open in 2027.
Finfrock, a design-build firm with experience in constructing hotels for Universal Resorts, will be collaborating on the project, ensuring high-quality construction and design standards.
The construction of the new InterContinental Hotel represents a significant investment in Orlando’s hospitality sector and aligns with the city’s growing reputation as a leading travel destination, being both family-friendly and a hub for business conventions.
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Additional Resources
- Growth Spotter: Intercontinental Hotel on I-Drive
- IHG: Intercontinental Orlando Announcement
- Hotel Dive: Intercontinental Orlando Opening
- Lodging Magazine: New Intercontinental Orlando
- Travel and Tour World: Intercontinental Orlando Announcement
- Wikipedia: Orlando
- Google Search: Orlando hotels
- Google Scholar: hotels in Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orlando
- Google News: Intercontinental Hotel Orlando
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
