Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort Unveils New Outdoor Bar Concept, Evolves Food and Beverage Options

The Blind Turtle is part of hotel's $25 million renovation, enhanced guest offerings

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. May 25, 2017

DAYTONA BEACH, FL. May 25, 2017 - Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort will officially open a new outdoor bar, The Blind Turtle, on Memorial Day. The venue replaces the former poolside Pelican Bar and incorporates a tiki bar-themed concept with an updated food and beverage menu.

As part of the renovations made to the resort's expansive pool areas, the previous Pelican Bar space was removed in an effort to give poolgoers an unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean. The new pool deck layout repositions The Blind Turtle at the north end of the pool, allowing guests to lounge poolside while taking in one of the best views the resort offers. Other enhancements to the pool deck include new flooring and contemporary fixtures, lush landscaping, semi-covered loungers, soft seating and increased lounge chair capacity.

“This is the first step in a series of enhancements to our food and beverage outlets as part of the overall $25 million property renovation,” said Ruwan Silva, the resort's director of food and beverage. “Repositioning the physical space of our outdoor bar allows guests to sit back in a relaxing setting while they watch the waves and enjoy a cocktail or two.”

The name chosen for the reimagined venue also carries special meaning. Given sea turtles are being affected at an ever-increasing rate by a disease that causes tumors, which can grow large enough to impact their vision and ability to swim and feed, the hotel chose the name, “The Blind Turtle,” to bring attention to this important ecological issue affecting Florida's marine waters, as well as ocean environments around the world.

“As a new outdoor bar concept and example of our evolving food and beverage options, naming the venue, The Blind Turtle, gives us an opportunity to raise awareness for the issues facing one of our ocean's most cherished creatures,” Silva said.

The Blind Turtle's updated menu features casual street fare-themed grub and a wide variety of specialty cocktails, wines by the glass and local and imported beers. Signature cocktails include the namesake Blind Turtle, created with rum, melon liqueur and pineapple juice, as well as Lost in Daytona, Up the Creek with No Paddle and View from Doc Bales, named after the resort's open-air Doc Bales' Grill. Guests can also enjoy sangria and a variety of frozen drink options, including piña coladas and flavored daiquiris. Patrons watching their calories can indulge in the Skinny Cocktail menu, featuring a margarita, mojito, Bellini Rocks and Tiki Punch.

New food options include Tropical Fruit Skewers; a Tiki Burger with housemade pickles; Tiki Hot Sausage with a variety of toppings; ground beef, mojo pulled pork or chicken pastor Street Tacos; and frozen treats.

In addition to The Blind Turtle, Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort will rebrand two other food and beverage venues located within the property, Clocktower Lounge and Legends Sports Bar. Rebranding efforts will continue through the fall, with Clocktower Lounge converting to McCoys Rum Room. The updated space will feature a rum-centric concept with a mid-century modern vibe and Caribbean-inspired accents, furniture and decor. A new concept for Legends will be revealed later this summer, culminating rebranding plans for the resort's food and beverage outlets. For more information on the resort's seven dining options, visit DaytonaHilton.com/Dining.

About Hilton Daytona Beach Resort/Ocean Walk Village: Located in the heart of Daytona Beach and steps away from the city's best oceanside shopping and visitor attractions, Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort is a family-oriented and pet-friendly property offering world-class amenities on Florida's famed Atlantic coastline. The hotel is home to 744 rooms, including 32 suites and 30 beachfront cabana suites, as well as two resort-style pools, beachside cabanas, a spa, gift shop, fitness center, seasonal events, kid-friendly activities and several premiere restaurant and bar venues for every taste. In addition, Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort offers more than 60,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor space for meetings, weddings and other special events. For more information, visit DaytonaHilton.com or call 386-254-8200.