Gateway Jax Partners with Marriott and Indigo Road for Downtown Jacksonville's First Lifestyle Hotel

Historic Ambassador Hotel to be transformed into Hotel Merrydelle, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio property

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:28am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist, photorealistic studio still life featuring a collection of polished, geometric objects in natural materials arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the sophisticated design and hospitality experience of the new Hotel Merrydelle in downtown Jacksonville.Hotel Merrydelle, Downtown Jacksonville's first lifestyle hotel, will blend historic charm and modern sophistication when it opens in 2027.Today in Jacksonville

Developer Gateway Jax has announced a partnership with Marriott International and The Indigo Road Hospitality Group to open Hotel Merrydelle, a 109-key boutique hotel that will be Downtown Jacksonville's first lifestyle hotel. The former Ambassador Hotel building will undergo a $50 million renovation to join Marriott's Tribute Portfolio brand, with The Indigo Road managing the hotel and its Italian-American restaurant Colletta.

Why it matters

The opening of Hotel Merrydelle represents a significant milestone for Downtown Jacksonville's ongoing revitalization efforts, bringing a high-end, design-forward hotel experience to the city's urban core. As part of the broader Pearl Square development, the hotel will help activate the surrounding neighborhood with new public spaces, retail, and dining options.

The details

The renovation plans call for reorienting the hotel's main entrance to its original Church Street location, integrating it with adjacent public spaces like Porter House Lawn and Klutho's Alley. The hotel's design will blend the building's historic character with modern sophistication, preserving original facade details while updating the interiors. Colletta, an Italian-American restaurant from The Indigo Road, will seat 120 guests and feature wood-fired pizzas, house-made pasta, and seasonal cocktails.

  • The $50 million renovation is scheduled to begin this spring.
  • Hotel Merrydelle is anticipated to welcome guests in 2027.

The players

Gateway Jax

A developer in Jacksonville's urban core that is leading the Pearl Square mixed-use project, which will include Hotel Merrydelle.

Marriott International

The global hotel company that will add Hotel Merrydelle to its Tribute Portfolio brand of independent boutique hotels.

The Indigo Road Hospitality Group

A hospitality management company that will operate Hotel Merrydelle and its Colletta restaurant.

Merrydelle Hoyt

One of the four visionary founders of the Jacksonville Fine Arts Society, whose impact the hotel is named after.

Steve Palmer

The founder and chief vision officer of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The decision to name the hotel 'Merrydelle' is a direct tribute to a true Jacksonville visionary. Merrydelle Hoyt, an artist who brought her expansive vision from New York to the South, saw the opportunity to expand minds through art. Hotel Merrydelle aims to capture that same spirit — a destination that will provide respite and inspiration in the heart of Pearl Square.”

— Bryan Moll, CEO of Gateway Jax

“Hotel Merrydelle will be a place where people naturally come together as Downtown Jacksonville transforms into a vibrant, community-focused neighborhood. We are excited to be a part of this project – not only offering a welcoming destination for visitors, but a place where locals can connect over shared meals.”

— Steve Palmer, Founder and Chief Vision Officer of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group

What’s next

The $50 million renovation of the former Ambassador Hotel building is scheduled to begin this spring, with Hotel Merrydelle anticipated to welcome guests in 2027.

The takeaway

The opening of Hotel Merrydelle, Downtown Jacksonville's first lifestyle hotel, represents a significant milestone in the city's ongoing revitalization efforts. By blending the historic character of the former Ambassador Hotel with modern design and amenities, the project will help activate the surrounding Pearl Square neighborhood and provide a new hub for both visitors and locals to connect.