{"id":51618,"date":"2025-11-18T20:00:17","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T20:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/51618\/"},"modified":"2025-11-18T20:00:17","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T20:00:17","slug":"why-a-marriott-hotel-is-replacing-postcard-inn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/51618\/","title":{"rendered":"Why a Marriott hotel is replacing Postcard Inn"},"content":{"rendered":"

The owners of Postcard Inn have decided to retire a brand that became synonymous with good times on St. Pete Beach. A more modern, sophisticated hotel will take its place.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Postcard Inn, unbeknownst to anyone at the time, welcomed its last overnight guests and local daytrippers in late August 2024. Hurricanes Helene and Milton subsequently decimated the area, and plans for an extensive renovation and expansion evolved.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The LCP Group, which bought the longstanding, popular resort in 2022 for $83 million<\/a>, recently announced that it will reopen as The Luce<\/a> in early 2026. Peter Sullivan, chief operating officer, explained the White Plains, New York-based real estate investment firm\u2019s rationale for joining Marriott Bonvoy\u2019s Tribute Portfolio<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe explored, obviously, keeping it a Postcard Inn, along with several different brands,\u201d Sullivan told the Catalyst. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t an easy decision, as far as keeping it as a Postcard or going to Marriott.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that distribution, that access to a new customer \u2013 who could see our product in a new, renovated, fresh way \u2013 ultimately won out over retaining the Postcard name.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Postcard Inn was popular among both tourists and locals. Photo by Mark Parker.<\/p>\n

The resort, one of St. Pete Beach\u2019s first, opened at 8300 Gulf Blvd. as the Colonial Gateway Inn in 1957. That became the Postcard Inn (PCI) in 2009, and the destination became known for its sometimes raucous beach bar and expansive pool.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Many of the aspects that endeared the 196-key resort to tourists and locals will carry over to The Luce. \u201cWe still intend to have fun on the beach, and all that good stuff that we\u2019re known for,\u201d Sullivan said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

LCP<\/a> proposed a new five-story, 87-room expansion in May 2024. Sullivan noted that an extensive renovation \u201cwas always in the plan.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Luce, pronounced \u201cloose,\u201d will offer 200 guest accommodations, including bungalow studio suites. Sullivan called the name a play on the Italian word for \u201clight.\u201d It is \u201calso a nod\u201d to CEO Francis Lively\u2019s daughter, Lucy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

LCP described the new nine-acre resort as \u201cplayful yet polished\u201d and \u201cdesigned for both relaxation and celebration\u201d in its Nov. 10 announcement. The Luce will become the latest addition to the Tribute Portfolio, a \u201cgrowing collection of characterful, independent hotels from Marriott Bonvoy.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cMarriott is one of, if not the strongest, reservation systems in the world,\u201d Sullivan said. \u201cSo it\u2019s connecting us with guests that never would have known about St. Pete Beach\u2019s beautiful beaches and our great hotel.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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A new indoor bar and restaurant at The Luce.<\/p>\n

He also credited the brand\u2019s \u201cbells and whistles,\u201d including \u201cgreat food and beverage programming\u201d and high standards for new meeting spaces, gyms and entertainment. \u201cThat really brings some new life into the property,\u201d Sullivan added.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The storms \u201ctook everybody by surprise,\u201d he said. While PCI sustained damage, Sullivan said LCP was fortunate to \u201cget to the other side of this\u201d following some infrastructure-related delays.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe core of the renovation remained the same,\u201d he continued. \u201cOur vision for the property is really coming to life, if not better than ever.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sullivan said LCP has \u201ctouched every space extensively\u201d throughout a \u201ccomprehensive renovation.\u201d He could not provide an estimate of the project\u2019s cost.<\/p>\n

The Luce will retain a \u201clively\u201d beach bar adjacent to St. Pete Beach\u2019s largest pool. The hotel will offer \u201ccurated experiences\u201d and \u201clifestyle programming,\u201d including weekend yoga classes, live DJ sessions and a nightly sunset social.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Visitors can patronize two dining concepts with a local flair. Sundrop, a new coastal-inspired lobby restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating, will offer daily brunch and dinner service.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Baby Turtle Beach Club will bring American Coastal cuisine to the beach and pool. \u201cOur courtyard is being completely revamped with new landscaping \u2013 really a refreshed look,\u201d Sullivan said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Guest rooms will feature a king or two queen beds, Lavazza cafe machines, smart TVs with streaming services and premium bath amenities from Scandinavian haircare brand SACHAJUAN. According to the announcement, The Luce\u2019s design \u201cdraws inspiration from St. Pete\u2019s layered history, like the lush botanical sanctuary of Sunken Gardens and the kitschy charm of retro Florida.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The resort will also boast over 14,000 square feet of combined event space throughout seven indoor and outdoor venues. Those include a 2,280-square-foot ballroom and outdoor pavilions for events with up to 200 guests.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Additional amenities include poolside cabanas, butlers, lawn games, a 24-hour fitness center and a retail boutique. Guests can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points during their stay.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we want to evolve with St. Pete,\u201d Sullivan said. \u201cWe want to embrace our local surroundings, our neighbors and the people in the area. We want to make sure we\u2019re having a good time, but a good time that allows everybody to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

He also noted that a new sound system throughout the property would keep noise contained. \u201cWe\u2019re really trying to be a good corporate citizen, as well as keep our core business down at the beach bar going.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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A rendering of a revamped room at The Luce.<\/p>\n

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