$20 million hotel set for On Top of the World

A new 125-room hotel will soon break ground just outside the entrance to On Top of The World on State Road 200.

The $20 million TownePlace Suites by Marriott will be developed by HDG Hotels, according to a press release by the Ocala-based hotel group.

The company hopes to break ground in June, with construction expected to finish by the fall of 2022.

The 4-story hotel will go up on about 3 acres just southwest of the Canopy Oaks Center, 8075 SW SR 200.

The hotel would be the first in that section of Southwest SR 200. Right now, the closest hotel to On Top of the World is located some six miles away near Interstate 75.

The hotel will be an extended stay facility, and each room will include a stocked kitchenette. Some suites will feature multiple bedrooms as well, according to a press release.

Other amenities include a saltwater pool and a fitness center.

“We are confident this project will positively impact this growing area of the county,” said Azim Saju, CEO and president of HDG.

The hotel plan comes as On Top of the World continues to expand its development near SR 200. In addition to its 55-plus community, the company is also developing an all-ages, family community called Calesa Township on 1,500 acres east of Southwest 80th Avenue and south of Southwest 38th Street. The development will eventually include 5,000 homes. About 5,000 homes currently make up On Top of the World, and that community has a buildout plan of about 10,000 homes.

The late Sidney Colen founded the development company in 1947, which is still family-owned.

The TownePlace Suites property would be the eighth hotel for HDG in Marion County. The company has 20 hotels in its portfolio.