118-year-old Peninsula Inn reopens after extensive renovations in Gulfport
/After a year-and-a-half renovation, the 118-year-old Historic Peninsula Inn has reopened as Peninsula Bed & Cocktails in Gulfport | The Peninsula Bed & Cocktails
The doors to the Peninsula Inn in the heart of Gulfport, FL have reopened following a significant renovation, bringing new amenities to the 118-year-old hotel.
Built in 1905, the iconic yellow hotel at 2937 Beach Boulevard South, now named the Peninsula Bed & Cocktails, functioned as a hospital during World War II.
In 2022, the boutique hotel sold for just under $3 million to Florida House Realty Investments LLC.
The group also purchased an adjacent property at 2913 Beach Boulevard South, which is home to The Wine House, known for their barbecue, charcuterie and, of course, a funky selection of wine.
The Pina Colada Room at the freshly renovated Peninsula Bed & COcktails | Peninsula Bed & Cocktails
Upon purchasing the historic 16-room Inn, the ownership group immediately started working with an in-house contractor for the year-and-a-half-long renovation process - removing the old carpets, reupholstering the vintage furniture, and building a new cocktail bar.
"The owners were anticipating the renovation to take a few months, completing projects floor by floor, but instead, they wanted to do everything at once and get it right and retain its integrity," said Property Manager Kayla Burch, who previously worked at the New York-based Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn, America's oldest operating Inn.
Inspired by the cocktails the new lobby bar serves, the owners have redesigned and renamed all 16 rooms after the alcoholic concoctions.
"None of our rooms are cookie-cutter. They all differ in size, layout, and color palette - not one is alike," she said, sharing she's partial to the mojito room, which boasts cool mint hues and vibrant accents.
The Manhattan Room at the Peninsula Bed & COcktails in Gulfport, FL | Peninsula Bed & Cocktails
"There's beautiful wallpaper that reflects where the drink originated. Every room has a built-in bar and artwork detailing the drink and how to make it," Burch said.
Hotel stayers can enjoy a free complimentary drink from the bar, which is open to the public from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday. The hours may change based on business activity.
Peninsula Bed & Cocktails has a contactless check-in experience, providing users with security codes to enter the building and their rooms.
THe entrance to the lobby bar at Peninsula Bed & Cocktails in Gulfport, FL | Peninsula Bed & Cocktails
"We've had phenomenal feedback about the ease of using the codes, especially how the pandemic changed interactions," she said.
The hotel also uses a messaging software program to contact and respond to guests.
Peninsula Bed & Cocktails had a soft opening in November, welcoming a walk-in couple as their first guests.
There will be a grand opening celebration on Monday, January 15th.
The nightly room rates start at roughly $200.
The owners plan to open a new restaurant concept in the former Isabelle's space and may add a coffee bar in the hotel.
"Those details are to be determined, but we are continuously adding new things to the hotel," Burch said.
