USA, Jacksonville, Florida. July 30, 2024

The CONNECT 2024 Conference convened in Orlando, uniting Marriott representatives, owners, franchises and management companies to celebrate the past year's achievements. The conference concluded with a private event at Universal Orlando to present awards to outstanding hotels.

Key International was honored with the Best Project Award for the exceptional design and construction of the Springhill Suites Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront Hotel. This prestigious Marriott award recognizes outstanding projects within each Select Brand, evaluating criteria such as design innovation, collaboration, engagement and execution excellence.

"We're thrilled to accept this award on behalf of the SpringHill Suites Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront Hotel," said Shawn Gracey, Executive Vice President of Hospitality for Key International. "This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and passion of our entire team, who have worked tirelessly to create a unique and welcoming destination for our guests."

Shaner Hotel Group is the operating partner of the SpringHill Suites Jacksonville Beach. "Partnering with an investment and development company such as Key International in this state-of-the-art beachfront hotel further contributes to our award-winning portfolio. Congratulations on the well-deserved award" said Plato Ghino, President of Shaner Hotel Group.

Nestled directly on the sandy shores, this 156-suite hotel boasts a stunning coastal design and a prime beachfront location just steps from the Jacksonville Beach Pier. It is close to local attractions such as Shipwreck Island Water Park, the PGA Tour at Sawgrass, multiple golf courses, Carnival Cruise Port, St. Augustine and the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens. Highlight amenities include the SANDBAR JAX BCH oceanfront restaurant and bar, Starbucks Coffee Shop, all-suite guestrooms, microwave and a mini-fridge, daily hot breakfast as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center with unobstructed ocean views.

About Shaner Hotels

Headquartered in State College, Pa., Shaner Hotels is one of the foremost owner-operator companies in the hospitality industry with more than $1 billion invested in 78 hotel properties owned and managed across the U.S., Italy, Greece and the Bahamas. Over the past 40 years, the company has also been engaged in both new development and redevelopment of more than 80 hotel projects with leading brand affiliations such as Marriott International, InterContinental Hotels, Choice Hotels and Hilton. New properties are constantly evaluated as Shaner Hotels continues a conservative yet opportunistic approach to growth. For more information about the company and its divisions visit shanercorp.com.