WINDRIFT GETS MAKEOVER FOR 45th ANNIVERSARY

Renovated hotel rooms and luxurious beachfront bars are in the works at this Avalon landmark.

Windrift is making big changes to both the hotel, dining and beachfront bars.

Need a dose of warmth to chase away the winter blues? Imagine yourself enjoying balmy ocean breezes and a tropical drink at the Windrift Hotel in Avalon.

When you see it again, you might not recognize the ’Drift, a beachfront landmark celebrating its 45^th anniversary with a major renovation of hotel, dining and bar facilities.

The remodeled hotel is expected to be welcoming guests by April 6, and new second-floor bars will be serving up drinks the weekend before Memorial Day, general manager Pete Compare said.

“All the hotel rooms were gutted down to the floors and walls,” Compare said. “We combined some rooms to be two-bedroom suites with two baths. Everything is new – furniture, beds, carpets. Baths are all tile and granite floors, walls and countertops.”

Big changes also are in the works for the Windrift’s dining and bar options upstairs, facing the beach.

“This second-floor project has been in the works for the last eight years, and we’re finally able to execute it this year,” Compare said.

Three new bar areas are being added to the second floor, including an outside tiki bar and two interior bars – one of them sunken so patrons will have an unobstructed ocean view.

Of course, the ocean plays a huge role in the Windrift’s appeal, and the renovations were planned to take full advantage. Floor-to-ceiling, hurricane-rated glass wall doors will fold back, allowing patrons to enjoy the outdoors when the weather’s good, but also make the space usable when it’s not so great, Compare said. There also will be a third-floor deck area.

A full kitchen is being added upstairs, allowing the ’Drift to offer oceanfront breakfast dining for the first time. Bathrooms also are slated for the second floor and permanent bathrooms will replace the temporary ones on the ground floor on 80^th Street.

Now, how about that drink? When it comes to beverages, expect icy brews, thanks to temperature-controlled 32-degree beer systems, and tasty wine options in a 14-foot-high rectangular wine room, Compare said. A new stage and state-of-the-art audiovisual technology will make for great entertainment on the second floor. 

Below is an architect's rendering of the newly remodeled Windrift as it appears from the beach. See you in a few months at the "Drift!