3H Group opens The Hiatus Clearwater Beach, Florida

The Hiatus Clearwater Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton is now open in Florida. 3H Group Inc., led by Hiren Desai as president and CEO, is the owner of the property, while hotel management firm LBA Hospitality will manage the operations of the beachside hotel.

The 88-room boutique-style hotel is the first Curio property to join the LBA portfolio and expands the partnership between LBA Hospitality and owner/developer 3H Group, the companies said in a joint statement.

“In January 2022, when LBA took over management of the 3H portfolio of hotels, I thought I would take a little break,” said Desai. “I told my family and colleagues I was going to take a little hiatus, and they had different ideas in store for me. My brother, Nick Desai—also a co-owner of 3H Group—said, ‘You can take a hiatus, but take it in Clearwater Beach.'”

New York City-based Celano Design Studio Co. designed The Hiatus' interior, the statement added. Guestrooms and suites feature balconies with Clearwater Beach views, while the seventh-floor rooftop restaurant and reception area offer Gulf and beach vistas.

“Clearwater Beach is well known as an award-winning, must-visit destination,” said Beau Benton, LBA Hospitality’s president. “At the Hiatus Clearwater Beach, our goal is to bring guests and locals together in a vibrant space where they can enjoy breathtaking views, savor delicious South Florida cuisine and embrace a relaxing moment at the heart of the beach.”

The hotel's exterior features a 10-story mural by local artist Derek Donnelly of Saint Paint Arts, featuring a theme of “celebrating Mother Nature and paying homage to Kali, the Hindu goddess.” The Hiatus amenities include a rooftop pool, two dining, three bar outlets and a fitness center.

3H Group recently broke ground on Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga, Hyatt Hotels Corp.’s inaugural launch of the brand in Tennessee. The upscale 123-room hotel, developed under a franchise agreement, is set to open in early 2026.