NY Hotel Owner MCR Plans 2 New Hotel Developments Near Miami Airport

MCR, a New York-based hotel owner, has revealed plans for two new hotels next to its existing Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon. The new development is located on a 20.6-acre property at 5101 Blue Lagoon Drive, which currently houses a 14-story, 508-room hotel built in 1983. MCR acquired this property for $118.25 million in early 2023. The new hotels are planned to be eight stories tall with 200 rooms each.

Infrastructure and Parking Solutions

To accommodate the new hotels, the development plan includes substantial changes to parking facilities. A five-story garage with 700 spaces will be built for the existing Hilton, and two additional four-story garages with 140 spaces each will serve the new hotels. These new hotels will be select service, meaning they will not feature restaurants or meeting spaces.

Site Division and Traffic Impact

The proposal also includes dividing the property into three separate plats, one for each hotel. This division could facilitate separate ownership or financing in the future. A traffic study by Coral Gables-based Behar Font & Partners estimates the project will generate 1,181 daily vehicle trips.

Pre-Application Process and Local Engagement

The pre-application filed with Miami-Dade County allows the developer to receive feedback from county staff before submitting a formal application. Local attorney David J. Coviello, representing MCR, was unavailable for comment on the proposal.

MCR’s Expansion Strategy

MCR, the third-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, manages 150 hotels across 37 states. The expansion in Miami aligns with MCR's growth strategy, aiming to enhance accommodation options near Miami Airport and provide more lodging choices for travelers.

Significance for the Blue Lagoon Area

This planned development represents a significant investment in the Blue Lagoon area, indicating confidence in the region’s potential for growth and an increased demand for hotel accommodations. The project is expected to bolster the local economy and meet the rising demand for more hotel rooms near Miami Airport.