Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection

What Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection does

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection is a 250-room luxury hotel located within the 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on Choctawhatchee Bay in Miramar Beach, Florida. Opened in 2021 and operated under Marriott's Autograph Collection brand by family owner/developer Tom Becnel, the property serves luxury leisure travelers, families, corporate groups, and destination weddings on Florida's Emerald Coast. Core offerings include multiple signature dining venues (Ovide fine dining, Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge — the only rooftop pool on the Emerald Coast, The Lobby Bar, and Sweetbay Coffee), Spa Lilliana, 20,000+ square feet of meeting and event space integrated with the adjacent Baytowne Conference Center, and access to four championship golf courses, a 223-slip marina, tennis facilities, and 7+ miles of beach.

Revenue is generated through room bookings (rooms and suites across Deluxe, Bay View, Junior Suite, Executive Suite, and Presidential Suite tiers), food and beverage across on-site outlets and in-room dining, spa services (with a 20% service charge and Lilliana Luxe membership tier), meetings and events, a $45/day resort fee covering recreational amenities, and ancillary charges (self/valet parking, EV charging, pet fees, rollaway beds). Distribution combines direct booking through hoteleffie.com, Marriott's global booking platforms and Bonvoy loyalty program, exclusive American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts status on the Emerald Coast, third-party OTAs, ResortPass for rooftop day passes and cabanas, and a dedicated group sales team. The property operates on conventional hospitality technology — Marriott property management, Bonvoy integration, OpenTable reservations, and TruTour 3D virtual tours — with no disclosed proprietary AI or technology platform. The hotel is independently owned with no public ticker, no funding rounds, and no parent company controlling stake.

Name

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection

Legal name

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection

Website

https://hoteleffie.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Hotel Effie Sandestin is a 250-room luxury hotel within the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar Beach, Florida, operating under Marriott's Autograph Collection. It serves luxury leisure travelers, families, corporate groups, and destination weddings with signature dining, spa, and event facilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Luxury Hotels & Resorts

NAICS

Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels (72111), Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels (721110)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Hotels & Motels (7011)

akta.pro primary industry

Beachfront & Island Luxury Resorts (THAGACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Golf & Leisure Full-Service Hotels (THAGAAAH), Resort-Area Full-Service Hotels (Non–All-Inclusive) (THAGAAAD)

Keywords

• Luxury hotel services
• Beachfront resort accommodations
• Destination wedding venues
• Spa and wellness retreats
• Corporate meeting facilities

Headquarters

HQ city

Miramar Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Room Revenue: Primary revenue from 250 luxury guest rooms and suites. Room types include Deluxe King, Deluxe Double Queen, Bay View rooms, Junior King Suite, Executive Suites, and Presidential Suite. Pricing varies by season and room type with standard check-in at 4 PM and check-out at 11 AM.
2. Food & Beverage: On-site dining venues include Ovide (signature restaurant serving modern Southern cuisine), Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge (cocktails and light bites), The Lobby Bar (TLB) with signature cocktails and small plates, Sweetbay Coffee market, and In-Room Dining service from 6 AM-11 PM daily.
3. Spa Services: Spa Lilliana offers a full range of treatments including massages, facials, scrubs, manicures, and pedicures. Services priced with 20% service charge. Also offers Lilliana Luxe spa membership with elevated perks and decadent treatments.
4. Meeting & Event Space: 20,000+ square feet of dedicated meeting space including a 13,000 sq ft Juniper Ballroom that can be divided into 6 sections. Combined with Baytowne Conference Center provides 50,000 sq ft total. Offers customizable catering options for events.
5. Resort Fee & Ancillary Charges: $45 daily resort fee covers bicycle, kayak, and boogie board rentals, resort shuttle, tennis court access, golf discounts, basketball and pickleball courts, running trails. Additional revenue from self-parking ($25/day), valet parking ($32/day), EV charging ($20/day), and rollaway beds ($35/day).
6. Pet Services: Pet-friendly rooms on floors 3-4 accommodate dogs up to 65 lbs. $150+ tax per stay pet fee applies (excludes guide/service dogs). In-room pet amenities include bed, water bowl, doggy bags, toy, and Simba-shaped treat.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Hotel Effie operates a 250-room luxury resort hotel within the 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on Florida's Emerald Coast. The property offers luxury accommodations, signature dining at Ovide restaurant, the only rooftop pool on the Emerald Coast at Ara, Spa Lilliana wellness center, The Lobby Bar, Sweetbay Coffee, 20,000+ sq ft of meeting space, wedding venues, and access to championship golf, beach activities, and resort amenities.

Product overview

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection is a 250-room luxury hotel operating as part of Marriott's Autograph Collection. The property offers a unified hospitality experience centered on its signature restaurant Ovide, Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge (the only rooftop pool on Florida's Emerald Coast), Spa Lilliana, The Lobby Bar, and Sweetbay Coffee market. Additional offerings include luxury accommodations with rooms and suites, 20,000+ sq ft of meeting and event space, wedding venues, championship golf access, beach activities, fitness facilities, and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty integration. The hotel provides comprehensive in-room dining, spa services, and various vacation packages through strategic partnerships with ResortPass and OpenTable.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ovide: Signature upscale restaurant offering modern southern cuisine with Gulf Coast influences. Features daily brunch (7am-2pm) and dinner service.
• Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge
• The Lobby Bar (TLB)
• Sweetbay Coffee
• Spa Lilliana

Products and services

• Hotel Accommodations (Rooms & Suites) 250 luxury guest rooms and suites featuring coastal-inspired design, pillow-top mattresses, 50-inch LED TVs, mini fridges, in-room safes, Lavazza espresso machines (available upon request), complimentary WiFi, and accessible rooms with roll-in showers. Room categories include Deluxe King, Deluxe Double Queen, Bay View rooms, Junior King Suite, Executive Suites, and Presidential Suite.

Quantifiable outcome

• #6 Hotel in Florida - Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2025
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship and core.

• The Agency Northwest FloridaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 January 2025Global real estate brokerage The Agency launched an office at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, with Managing Partner Sara Becnel (related to Hotel Effie owner Tom Becnel). The Agency hosted its grand launch celebration at Hotel Effie's Juniper Ballroom.
• Marriott International / Autograph CollectionflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHotel Effie is a proud member of Marriott's Autograph Collection, providing access to Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program (150+ million members), global booking platforms, and Marriott's marketing infrastructure. The Autograph Collection features independent luxury hotels with distinctive character.
• American Express Fine Hotels + ResortscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel Effie is the only American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts destination on Florida's Emerald Coast, offering exclusive benefits for Amex Platinum and Centurion cardmembers including noon check-in, room upgrades, daily breakfast at Ovide (up to $60), $100 resort credit, and guaranteed 4pm late checkout.
• Sandestin Golf and Beach ResortflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHotel Effie is located within the 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, providing guests exclusive access to four championship golf courses (The Links, Baytowne, Raven, Burnt Pine), 223-slip marina, 15 tennis courts, 7+ miles of beach, Baytowne Wharf entertainment district, and resort amenities.
• Alaqua Animal RefugeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHotel Effie partners with Alaqua Animal Refuge, a no-kill animal shelter and sanctuary in Northwest Florida. The 501(c)(3) organization is a recognized leader in animal rescue, welfare, cruelty prevention, and advocacy.
• Dog-HarmonyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHotel Effie partners with Dog-Harmony, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the relationship between dogs and humans through community education. Programs help reduce likelihood of dog abandonment or surrender to shelters.
• ResortPasscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorResortPass is a third-party platform enabling non-hotel guests to purchase day passes, cabana reservations, and day beds for Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge access, expanding revenue opportunities beyond overnight guests.
• Skechers Direct PartnershipminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSDI employees (including Hotel Effie staff) are eligible for a 30% discount on Skechers work styles year-round through Skechers Direct partnership, as well as quarterly Friends and Family events with exclusive discounts on 3,000+ styles.
• TicketsatWorkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThrough TicketsatWork, Sandestin employees including Hotel Effie staff have access to exclusive savings and discounts on movies, concerts, sporting events, theme parks, travel, electronics, and more.
• Rocket LawyerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAll active Hotel Effie employees have access to legal documents library, Attorney Q&A, Attorney phone consultation, and local discounts through Rocket Lawyer for major life changes and legal needs.
• LifeMart by ADPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSandestin has partnered with LifeMart by ADP, providing employees access to exclusive savings on movies, concerts, sporting events, theme parks, travel, electronics, and more.
• Sand Dollar TransportationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSandestin's exclusive partner for professional airport transportation service with uniformed drivers. Provides transportation to/from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) and other regional airports. Contact: 850-687-9650.
• Spot Pet InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel Effie employees have access to Spot Pet Insurance providing financial safety net for accidents or illnesses covering vet exams, dental care, x-rays, tests, emergencies, and hospitalizations for their pets.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach: Premier Florida luxury beachfront resort competing for the same HNW leisure and corporate incentive segments; broader luxury brand portfolio with stronger recognition but overlapping Florida Atlantic/Gulf coastal demand.
• The Boca Raton: Florida luxury destination resort with comparable multi-amenity positioning (beach access, golf, spa, multiple dining venues, meeting space) targeting overlapping affluent leisure and corporate incentive demand.
• 1 Hotel South Beach: Florida luxury beachfront resort with overlapping upscale leisure positioning, sustainability credentials, and event capabilities; broader multi-property brand competing for similar national/international luxury travelers.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Naples: Established Florida Gulf Coast luxury beachfront incumbent with broader footprint and longer operating history; competes for the same affluent leisure and group travelers but operates at a higher tier within a wider portfolio.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island: Florida luxury beachfront resort with comparable amenities, golf, spa, and event space; incumbent competitor for the same affluent leisure, wedding, and corporate group markets across Florida's coastline.

Direct peers

• The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort: Newly opened Marriott luxury beachfront resort on Florida's Gulf Coast with similar full-service amenities, dining, spa, and event venues—direct competitor for Bonvoy luxury leisure and group travelers targeting the western Florida coast.
• Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa: Florida Gulf Coast beachfront full-service resort with similar room scale, dining, meeting facilities, and resort-fee revenue model; overlaps in leisure, group, and wedding demand along the same coast.
• Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa: Directly comparable resort located within the same Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort destination in Miramar Beach/Destin, FL—same beachfront, same customer base, similar room count, and overlapping golf/marina amenities, competing for identical leisure and group demand.
• JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort: Marriott-family luxury full-service beachfront resort on Florida's Gulf Coast with comparable meeting space, dining venues, and leisure amenities; closest comparable for Autograph Collection distribution dynamics and Gulf Coast luxury positioning.
• Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa: Comparable luxury full-service Florida Gulf Coast resort with multiple dining venues, spa, golf access, and meeting space; competes directly for leisure, wedding, and group demand from the same regional feeder markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/hoteleffie
• Facebookfacebook.com/HotelEffieSandestin
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hoteleffiesandestin
• Instagraminstagram.com/hoteleffie

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection