CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Karol Hotel in Clearwater will reopen on Wednesday, after its 123 rooms sat empty for more than seven months due to the pandemic.

"We're reopening but without all the jazz," said General Manager Adam Duffey. "It's really all about the locals." 

The grand opening for the $30 million boutique hotel, located in Feather Sound, was held on February 6. The hotel was forced to close its doors 6 weeks later, on March 22, after the pandemic hit.

Duffey said locals have been pushing for the hotel to reopen so they can enjoy the Vantage Rooftop Bar on the 12th floor that has sweeping views of the downtown Tampa skyline.

"Ever since we've been closed in March, we've always been getting questions. When are you guys going to reopen? When can we come out to the rooftop bar?" he said. "The time has finally come. So, the local push was definitely a big part of us bringing the hotel back to life." 

Duffey said COVID-19 safety precautions and social distancing guidelines will be in place for guests. The K Club Bar & Bistro will be temporarily closed.

The hotel is named after the wife of developer and owner Fred Bullard. There's a tribute wall of photos in the lobby. Karol Bullard is a former Miss Florida and the first TV weather woman in the Sunshine State.

The rooftop bar view. (Josh Rojas, Spectrum News image)

"He actually built this hotel as a tribute to his wife. They're just a wonderful couple," said Duffey. "Every time we see them walk through the hotel, I mean our faces just light up. We're always so happy to have them around."​

The hotel will be open in time for the Super Bowl in February. Duffey said some corporate groups have already reserved blocks of rooms.

"I'd say we're creeping up to about 50-percent capacity," he said. "We fully anticipate to have a sold out hotel for the Super Bowl."

The Karol is the first Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel in Pinellas County. Only boutique hotels with a distinct indie spirit get that title.