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UPSCALE BUT DOWNSIZED

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By RICHARD MULLINS

rmullins@tampatrib.com

Published: November 2, 2008

Known for a sleek, upscale style, the Westin hotel chain operates more than 150 locations around the world, typically huge hotels in big destination cities.

Now, Westin is about to open a new, more compact prototype hotel on Rocky Point.

Possibly open by February, the 16-story location will be the first of dozens more mini-Westins with all the ritzy features of a full-sized Westin: gourmet food, high-end exercise rooms, Starbucks cafes and every high-tech feature available.

The goal is to capitalize on Westin's brand cache with business travelers and provide nearly identical places to stay when they venture to smaller markets such as Tampa or Birmingham, Ala., said Dilip Kanji, president of Impact Properties, which is developing the hotel.

At one point, the developers of the hotel hoped to sell condos on the top floors, taking advantage of wrap-around water views. But that idea ended with the real estate slump. Now it will be a hotel only.

The upscale style will come at a price. Guest rates will vary between $179 and $279 a night.

Reporter Richard Mullins can be reached at (813) 259-7919.

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