Carlyle Group adds Postcard Inn, La Siesta

SEAN KINNEY

KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

The Washington D.C.-based Carlyle Group on Sept. 15 expanded its Upper Keys lodging holdings with the announced purchase of the Postcard Inn Beach Resort at Holiday Isle and La Siesta Resort.

Carlyle, an international, publicly traded “alternative asset manager,” earlier in the year bought Islamorada Resort, formerly a Hampton Inn, and Pelican Cove Resort and Marina.

All four properties, known collectively as the Islamorada Hotel Company, are managed by Miami-based Trust Hospitality.

The sale prices have not been disclosed.

“These Islamorada properties are in high quality locations and have significant upside potential following renovation and management enhancements,” Thad Paul, managing director of the Carlyle Group, said in a press release.

As for renovations, an overhaul of the bathrooms at the 151-room Postcard will start by the end of the year; it’s part of an $18 million rehab plan for both properties that will ultimately include marina, common area and food/beverage outlet upgrades.

“With the planned changes,” Paul said, “we’re confident that guests and the residents of Islamorada will continue to embrace the properties and support tourism efforts in Islamorada.”

Patrick Goddard, president and chief operating officer of Trust Hospitality, said his company is “thrilled to further expand our portfolio in the Florida Keys.”

“We’re eager to bring a new level of service and style to the Postcard Inn and La Siesta Resort while providing guests and locals a new and vibrant way to experience Islamorada.”

He said no significant changes to staffing levels are anticipated.

The Postcard Inn is located at Mile Marker 84. The six-acre, all suites La Siesta is at MM 80.2.

Renovations are already under way at the Pelican Cove and Islamorada Resort. That property will re-open as an “upscale boutique hotel” called the Amara Cay Resort.

Carlyle Group employs more than 1,600 people in 40 offices on six continents, according to the company website.

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