Jetsettersblog

The newly opened CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort-Orlando has introduced a first for that industry segment – a hybrid canopy-covered/outdoor concept.

The family resort, which opened in April, is part of a growing trend of waterpark resort development that has doubled over the last five years.

Even though the pace of development has slowed with the recent recession, industry analysts expect growth to escalate as commercial lending resumes.

“Hotels with indoor water parks have out-performed family suite hotels and other hotel segments, so the growth is not surprising,” said Jeff Coy of JLC Hospitality Consulting, who tracks waterpark hotel development and recently released an analysis of the segment’s expansion.

“By the end of 2010, the number of waterpark hotels is estimated to be 229, and likely to be followed by another 24 properties in 2011.

The latest trend is expansion into sunbelt markets like Florida, Texas and Arizona as well as in ski resort areas.”

Until recently, development has revolved around hotels with indoor water park facilities in and around the snowbelt areas of the Northeast and Midwest.

These indoor resorts have benefited from the economic downturn that has forced many Americans to opt for more affordable vacations options closer to home.

CoCo Key’s new Orlando location, the tenth in the U.S. for Sage Hospitality, marks the company’s first resort in Florida.

The resort is actually the site of the first hotel on International Drive — Orlando’s tourist corridor.

The 391-room hotel, which has been completely refurbished, now features a boutique Key West motif and offers an affordable room rate starting between $99 and $149 per night.

Water park access is an additional $19 per room, meaning a family of four can enjoy the aquatic playground for less than $5 per person per day.

CoCo Key Orlando also offers guests an indoor/outdoor pairing — a 54,000-square-foot water park that’s partially covered by canopy, while the more daring slides (including the 64-foot Boomerango, a thrill slide which gets guests vertical) are located in a connected, uncovered section of the park.

While Sage Hospitality executives anticipate a strong following at the new resort from local residents, the company also plans to heavily leverage Orlando’s considerable national and international appeal.

“We’re bullish on Orlando’s pull as the world’s premiere leisure destination, and believe the affordable fun and close proximity of CoCo Key makes our waterpark resort a highly desirable family vacation option,” said Ed Baklor, senior vice president for Sage Hospitality, parent company for CoCo Key. “

Clearly the addition of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal has helped propel Orlando as one of this summer’s hottest family destinations.

This development combined with the pent-up demand for a longer haul vacation creates enormous opportunity for CoCo Key.”

Area tourism officials are enthusiastic about the new resort, and its ability to attract families to the northern section of International Drive. “The opening of CoCo Key helps reinforce the value equation Orlando offers to families and creates yet another reason to vacation here,” said Gary Sain, CEO of the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

CoCo Key combines a casual tropical hotel setting with a whimsical water park that features slides, rides and fun amplified with three pools, 14 water slides, poolside entertainment, and splashing good times all specially designed for kids in a safe and friendly environment. Florida’s only canopy-covered water resort is welcoming guests through June 15 for as little as an introductory, midweek rate of $89 per night, including water park access.

For reservations or more information, call 877-875-4681 or visit www.cocokeywaterresort.com