In early 2024, plans were announced for a Westin to open at Miami International Airport (MIA), with direct terminal access. The initial plans called for the hotel to open in 2026. With 2026 almost coming to an end, what’s the latest on that? Well, the hotel is no longer happening, as it turns out (thanks to Peter for flagging this)…
Westin Miami Airport plans scrapped altogether
Miami Airport is undergoing quite the modernization (or so they claim — it’s still a dump, in my opinion, years into this kicking off), and part of that included plans for a 451-key property belonging to Marriott’s Westin brand, connected directly to the terminal.
We’ve now learned that the developers behind the project have completely given up on this concept. The reason is because the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rejected the 150-foot high hotel, over concerns it would create a radar blind spot, posing a safety issue for aircraft at the airport.
Negotiations have now been going on for nearly two years to redesign the structure, though at this point the developers have just decided that it’s no longer economically viable. Keep in mind the whole concept for the Westin came after a years-long bidding process, which the developers had won. The deal was supposed to be that the airport would get annual payments of $2.5 million or 3.5% of gross revenue, whichever is greater.
Airport officials are now trying to expedite a new request for proposals for a different hotel operator. We’ll see if anything comes of that…
Miami Airport’s modernization sure leaves a lot to be desired
Miami is my home airport, so I’m all too familiar with the facility. The airport is spending a mind-numbing $14 billion on its modernization, in a program that’s taking around a decade. However, I have to say that even years into this starting, I can’t help but just be dismayed at the state of things.
The main indications I’ve seen of this “modernization” are simply broken people movers and escalators with those “MIA — Modernization In Action” signs.
I realize airports are ultimately about getting people on their way, but other airports at least look pretty when they’re redesigned. I believe the satellite portion of Concourse E has been redone, and the below is what the “after” of the project looks like.
I understand airport projects take years, and that airport infrastructure in the US is also so complicated, given the need to make changes while continuing operations. But compared to the redesigns we’ve seen at some other airports, I can’t help but not feel very optimistic about this project.
When it comes to lodging at Miami Airport, at least there’s a new in-terminal Wait N’ Rest facility, though it’s really expensive for what’s offered. Beyond that, Miami Airport already has a hotel connected directly to the terminal — the Miami International Airport Hotel — though I’m pretty sure that property was last updated in the 1990s, or something. Honestly, you’d think they could just improve that a bit, and it would do the trick.
Bottom line
Unfortunately the planned Westin at Miami International Airport is no longer happening. While the hotel was supposed to open this year, the FAA blocked the project due to a radar blind spot concern that the 150-foot tall building posed. The developers decided the economics no longer made sense with a full redesign needed.
The airport is now trying to find a new partner for this project, and we’ll see what comes of this, if anything. Given that the hotel was supposed to open in a matter of months, this was a drawn out project. If anything does come of this, don’t expect it before 2030, and that’s probably absolute best case scenario.
What do you make of the Westin Miami Airport plans being scrapped?
Speaking of airport hotels, has anyone actually ever stayed at the existing Miami International Airport Hotel? (The one inside/above Terminal E, originally opened in 1959.)