TITUSVILLE, Fla. — A new hotel with a rooftop bar is betting it can lure tourists and local space junkies alike who want to take in a great view of Space Coast launches.
Located directly across the Indian River from Kennedy Space Center, The Marriott Courtyard Titusville at 6245 Riverfront Center Blvd. is positioning itself as both a top lodging destination for space fans from out of town and a gathering spot for Central Floridians to watch liftoffs.
“There are many differences between a typical Marriott Courtyard and the Courtyard Titusville,” said general manager Wayne Soard. “We think it’ll be pretty unique.”
Developed by Delaware North, which manages the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the hotel seeks to capitalize on Brevard County’s push to increase space-related tourism. The 152-room hotel will open April 8.
The lure of the location is visible right through the front doors. The whole east side of the hotel looks out onto the river through a bank lined with old-growth Florida vegetation.
The back patio features seating around fire pits to take in the scenery. Guests can stroll across the ruins of old U.S. Highway 1, which runs along the bank, to Adirondack chair viewing areas.
From the pool, with its hot tub and bar, to the window-facing treadmills in the fitness center, every accessible space was designed to maximize the view.
Located 45 minutes from Orlando International Airport, 10 minutes from KSC and a short drive from the Spaceport Commerce Park, its biggest attraction will be the view of the space center on launch day.
During a recent media preview, the Artemis I rocket was plainly visible on the launchpad awaiting testing.
Kennedy’s launch pads and the enormous Vehicle Assembly Building are slightly north of the hotel but still visible from across the river. The clearest views are from The Space Bar, located on the roof and open to the public with its own express elevator in the lobby.
The bar, which will be open 4-10 p.m. weekdays and 4 p.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays, will serve signature dishes from executive chef Chris Chadwick. Guests can also order a variety of space-themed cocktails.
The bar and the back patio can be rented, with tented events starting around $10,000. One can easily imagine weddings or other special occasions that will be planned with a rocket taking off in the background.
Each of the 152 rooms includes one of five space-themed murals. A limited number of extended suites include pull-out sofas. On the ground floor, four rooms sport semi-private patios with their own fire pits.
The space touches extend to the lobby, which includes displays from KSC as well as souvenirs.
Rooms start around $189, with launches pushing prices up. On marriott.com, a patio room is going for $440 for a crewed launch scheduled on April 19. It’s $350 per night the weekend before.
Booking has begun, but hotel managers did not provide details on how many rooms have been reserved so far.
———
