Behind the Scenes of the Grand Bohemian Hotel Renovation
The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando is the perfect getaway for Florida locals and tourists alike. The hotel’s convenient location to many in-demand downtown attractions, combined with its AAA Four Diamond rating, make it a popular resort destination for leisure and business travelers. This luxury hotel blends boutique charm with discriminating details and an unrivaled location, ensuring that the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando is anything but ordinary.
In the spring of 2022, Continental Contractors began a massive, $18M two-part renovation project that spanned a total of 15 months and consisted of a variety of public space areas as well as 246 guestrooms. Phase one focused on the extensive public space renovation throughout the hotel which included the lobby, restaurant, meeting spaces, ballroom, lounge, fitness center, public restrooms, and the pool and pool deck. “On the sixth floor rooftop we craned up new palms and material for the bar and pool deck,” explained Project Executive Jerome Zadera. “We repaired the spa with new structural steel beams and installed new coating throughout as well.”
Continental executed a redesign of the on-site Starbucks and, while Starbucks may be par for the course at many hotel properties, other areas of the Grand Bohemian remain truly unique. Exquisite highlights include the custom waterjet tile pattern by Audrey Lane in the Bosendorfer Lounge, and the elegant Piano Rotunda, a focal point of the hotel that boasts a mix of Calacatta and Marquina matte porcelain tile and brushed brass. These areas boast beautiful finishes for a photographic space.
The floor-to-ceiling transformation throughout the Grand Bohemian public spaces included entirely new color schemes, flooring, furniture, artwork, and fixtures among other impressive design details. Elements of black and white were infused throughout the hotel common areas to emulate a sense of upscale sophistication, while beautiful black columns, vinyl wall coverings, stone and metal works enhanced the elegant style throughout.
Once phase one was complete, Continental devoted its attention and efforts to phase two of the project – enhancing the hotel’s 246 guestrooms and corridors. The property’s original Club Lounge was also converted into a lavish Presidential Suite. And, while all guestrooms received revitalizing updates and modern furnishings, one aspect of the project stole the spotlight – redesigned spa-like bathrooms. Continental completed 181 tub-to-shower conversions, each with new glass doors and marble tiling, enhancing the guest experience with added luxury.
Throughout the total renovation, Continental Contractors worked closely with project designer The Getty Group to maintain elements of the hotel’s original European-inspired aesthetic while welcoming a new ambiance and a modern, eclectic approach to luxury. “Everything was custom on this project. The tile throughout the space and the wood flooring inside the restaurant were specifically designed for this property,” said Zadera. “We also installed the banquettes along the bar and created a private dining experience like no other. The public space renovation concluded in April 2023 and the guestroom and corridor phase was completed in January 2024.
This is one project we won’t soon forget. The most challenging part, in addition to the scope of the work, were the logistics. We were right in busy downtown Orlando and across the street from City Hall. Good communication and coordination were absolutely vital in this project.”
– Jerome Zadera, Project Executive
For additional project details and to view photos of the Grand Bohemian public space and guestroom renovation, view the projects at the “Our Work” page of our website.