OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The World Equestrian Center (WEC) has rolled out the red carpet so to speak at its newest luxury hotel and is ready to welcome guests this week. That’s just in time for a major riding event featuring competitors from around the world.
WEC says The Riding Academy Hotel in Ocala opened on Friday with about half of its nearly 400 upscale, pet-friendly studios and suites complete.
The grand opening comes as equestrians arrive for the Longines League of Nations international qualifier which runs from March 19-23.
Ocala is the second stop in the new four-leg series which began in February in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. From the Horse Capital of the World®, the competitors travel to Switzerland and then the Netherlands before the finals in Barcelona, Spain.
“We are all celebrating this opening as a major milestone for the property,” says Justin Garner, Senior Director of Hospitality Operations at World Equestrian Center. “The Riding Academy Hotel will join The Equestrian Hotel to offer guests yet another world-class hospitality experience at WEC. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome guests this week.”
The new hotel is located near WEC’s main entrance on 80th Avenue.
When not taking in the Olympic-caliber horse jumping competition this week, guests of The Riding Academy Hotel can enjoy a new outdoor pool, fitness centers, reading room and shops.
You can make a reservation by clicking here or by calling 352-325-9935.
But if you were hoping to stay there this weekend, you’re out of luck. We checked online and by calling The Riding Academy Hotel. A reservation agent told us the hotel is booked solid for this weekend and informed us that room rates started at $579 per night for this weekend.
When we checked Monday morning around 5 a.m., there were still some rooms available at The Equestrian Hotel on the WEC grounds.