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Corpus Christi's Only Downtown Hotel Directly on the Beach

Our StoryDiscover The Story Of Our Hotel

The story of the Emerald Beach Hotel begins in the early 1960’s when hotel and casino entrepreneur Wilbur Clark dreamed of opening a chain of luxury hotels across the country, “from California to Georgia and Texas to Washington.” On a stretch of Corpus Christi waterfront he considered to be the most picturesque on the North American coastline, ground was broken for Wilbur Clark’s Crest Hotel.

Through several name changes and refurbishments, what newspapers once referred to as Corpus Christi’s “most charming and exciting new hotel” to this day remains the only downtown hotel located directly on the waters of Corpus Christi Bay and just a short drive from attractions, businesses and things to do in Portland, Texas.

Why not come add your name to the Emerald Beach Hotel story?

2013

August 31, 2013

The hotel becomes the Emerald Beach Hotel, Corpus Christi’s newest independent hotel.

1991

December 18, 1991

The hotel undergoes a renovation to all guest rooms, exterior lobby and meeting rooms. Kokomo’s Outdoor bar and a sundeck overlooking the beach are added.

1986

January 26, 1986

The hotel undergoes a $3 million renovation. 220 bathrooms are updated and the Holidome indoor pool area is outfitted with a new fitness center. Additional upgrades include improvements to Triton’s Trumpet Restaurant, the gift shop, game room, convention center and the hotel’s exterior landscaping.

1977

July 20, 1977

Plans are unveiled to expand the hotel to 364 rooms, making it the largest hotel in Corpus Christi. New features resulting from the $2.3 million project include a discotheque, a conference and convention center accommodating 900 guests, a new banquet kitchen, a 260-seat restaurant and an indoor recreation and fun center. The discotheque, Lucy’s, would go on to become Corpus Christi’s “place to be” in the 80’s.

1969

July 12, 1969

The Emerald Cove Hotel officially becomes the Holiday Inn-Emerald Beach Hotel.

1966

March 10, 1966

Wilber Clark’s Crest Hotel is renamed the Emerald Cove Hotel.

1965

October 2, 1965

The $3 million Wilber Clark’s Crest Hotel opens to great fanfare. A champagne christening hosted in the dazzling red and black Seville Lounge is attended by 500 of Corpus Christi’s most prominent business and social leaders.

1963

September 9, 1963

Scotch Investment Co. of Houston announces plans to start construction of a $3 million, 220-room bayfront luxury hotel on the 22-acre Emerald Cove.