Nickelodeon Hotels could be making to a return to the Orlando market — and bringing back its world-famous slime bucket — as part of a development that would also introduce two new luxury hotel brands to the Florida market!
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| Credit: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts |
The kid-friendly brand operated a 777-room Nickelodeon Suites Orlando, The Nick, on Continental Gateway Drive from 2005-2017 before shutting it down and embarking on a $30 million renovation to rebrand it as Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites.
Although the hotel has been closed for several years, it is still in the hearts of many fans who have nostalgic feelings towards their stays there. Here is what you need to know about this new development for the Nickelodeon Hotel!
Back in January, it was reported that the Holiday Inn Orlando Suites – Water Park Hotel filed for bankruptcy after the effects and financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This was surprising news as the hotel resides so close to many theme parks in the state. The Holiday Inn Orlando Suites is the former Nickelodeon Hotel, so this would be the second major hardship for that hotel property.
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| Credit: IGH Hotels |
Nickelodeon Suites Resort opened in 2005, before closing its doors in May 2016.
Nickelodeon Resorts is one of three brands named in a promotional video briefly posted on social media Tuesday (Feb. 16) by an executive with The Everest Group of Companies, the Canadian developer behind the Everest Place mixed-use resort district on Kissimmee’s W192 tourism district. The branding could extend to the planned water park at Everest Place that would be adjacent to the kid-friendly hotel.
The developer took down the video after GrowthSpotter reached out for comment. Everest CEO Zafir Rashid said the video “should not have been posted and could have misinformation.“
Rashid previously told GrowthSpotter the company had agreements in place with three hotel flags to build separate and unique resorts with a combined total of 1,800 standard hotel rooms and condo hotel units on the property — all slated to open in 2023.
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| Credit: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts |
Experience Kissimmee CEO DT Minich said Nickelodeon would be a great addition to the tourism corridor, as will the other brands. “We’re just thrilled that there’s going to be some fantastic new product out there that we can sell,” he said. “Everyone I’ve talked to about Everest Group says they’re going to do this right.”
While the report goes on to say that once the video was removed the CEO of Everest Group said that this video should not have been posted and may not have been accurate. It is a good indication the Nickelodeon brand is in the minds of developers in the Orlando area.
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| Credit: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts |
Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts has a destination in Punta Cana, which opened in May 2016, and another opening in Riviera Maya, Mexico in June 2021. Both are operated by Karisma Hotels & Resorts as part of a long-term partnership with Nickelodeon international.
Here is how Nickelodeon describe their hotel experience:
"When Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts does all-inclusive resorts, you and your family experience all you can enjoy, all the time. Come indulge in all of our diverse and delicious dining options, kid and adult beverages, plus a full range of resort activities and entertainment. Have that second stack of pancakes for breakfast, then park yourself poolside while our friendly servers keep the icy drinks coming. Did the family work up an appetite snorkeling, building sandcastles, or getting their splash on at Aqua Nick? It’s a good thing there are plenty of healthy and delicious lunch options. And dinner is always delightful when every choice is a great choice!"
One of the resort's most popular suites is SpongeBob's iconic pineapple home.
It would be fantastic to see Nickelodeon re-enter the North American market as a fun, family-friendly resort option!
Nickelodeon used to have a considerable presence in Florida, including Nickelodeon Studios in Universal Studios, which served as the network's East Coast production hub as well as a tourist destination. The studios closed on April 30, 2005, leaving behind an incredible legacy. The original building structure still remains, although up until recently, it was the Blue Man Group Sharp Aquos Theatre (there still is a few Nickelodeon mementos lying around if your lucky enough to venture backstage).
Would you like to see the Nickelodeon Hotel return to Orlando? Let me know in the comments!
Original source: Inside the Magic.
