Civitas Capital Group has committed US$386 million in construction financing for the development of the InterContinental Orlando, a 700-room luxury property planned for International Drive. The loan backs Flag Luxury Group and Unicorp National Developments, two established players in the U.S. hospitality sector.
The hotel will rise in one of America's most visited tourism corridors, with Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando within easy reach. Beyond its room count, the property will include multiple dining outlets, 105,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and a six-level parking structure. A conservatory, spa, fitness centre, club lounge and swimming pool round out the amenities.
Financing rationale and market outlook
Austin Khan, Managing Director and Head of Investments at Civitas, said the deal aligns with the firm's hospitality lending strategy. He pointed to the developers' track record, financial strength and the strength of the Orlando market as key factors. "This project represents a significant opportunity to support a flagship development in a destination that continues to attract record visitor numbers," Khan added.
Orlando welcomed 76.7 million visitors in 2025, cementing its status as the most-visited U.S. destination. That momentum underpins the developers' confidence. Chuck Whittall, President of Unicorp, described the hotel as part of a multibillion-dollar masterplan for the area. He said the project will generate jobs and drive business to International Drive, a corridor already dense with hotels, restaurants and attractions.
Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2027, with completion targeted for late 2029. FINFROCK, a Florida-based contractor with extensive hospitality experience, will serve as general contractor.
Paul Kanavos, Chairman and CEO of Flag Luxury Group, said the goal is to set a new benchmark for luxury on International Drive. "We are creating a property that will redefine expectations for upscale travel in Orlando," he said.
The InterContinental Orlando will reflect the brand's ongoing evolution, blending high-end amenities with culturally immersive programming. The property aims to become a flagship for InterContinental in one of the world's leading hospitality markets.
For travel professionals, the development signals continued confidence in Orlando's meetings and events sector. The 105,000 square feet of meeting space positions the hotel to compete for corporate groups and association conventions, a segment that has shown resilience in recent years. The project also underscores the availability of large-scale construction financing for hospitality, even as lenders remain selective.
Orlando's hotel pipeline remains robust, with several major projects underway or announced. The InterContinental Orlando will join a competitive landscape that includes properties from Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt, among others. Its location on International Drive places it near the Orange County Convention Center, a key driver for MICE demand.
Flag Luxury Group and Unicorp have collaborated on other Florida developments, though this is their largest single hotel project to date. The financing structure, led by Civitas, reflects a growing trend of alternative lenders stepping into hospitality construction, a space traditionally dominated by banks.
As the project moves forward, industry observers will watch how the InterContinental brand differentiates itself in a market known for theme-park-driven leisure travel. The emphasis on meetings and upscale amenities suggests a strategy to capture both corporate and high-end leisure segments.
For more on the region's hospitality scene, see our coverage of Evermore Orlando Resort's wellness-focused holiday programming. The InterContinental Orlando will add to a growing list of luxury options in the destination.
