Margaritaville Resort in Kentucky: A Tropical Paradise Coming to Newport on the Levee

Kentucky is about to experience a taste of the tropics as a new Margaritaville Hotel Resort prepares to set up shop in Newport on the Levee, Campbell County. This exciting development not only promises to be a family-friendly entertainment destination but is also creating hundreds of new job opportunities.

Images are of Margaritaville Resort in Nashville, TN // Northern Kentucky Margaritaville Resort opening 2026

The Margaritaville Legacy

The name Margaritaville draws its inspiration from the iconic song of the same name by the late singer Jimmy Buffett. Buffett, who passed away on September 1, 2023, had licensed the name "Margaritaville" to a Florida developer, resulting in a chain of hotels and entertainment concepts, including the famous 5 O’Clock Somewhere bars. With around 40 Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts already established in the U.S. and internationally, the addition of a Margaritaville Resort to Kentucky is generating considerable excitement.

Images are of Margaritaville Resort in Nashville, TN // Northern Kentucky Margaritaville Resort opening 2026

Images are of Margaritaville Resort in Nashville, TN // Northern Kentucky Margaritaville Resort opening 2026

Images are of Margaritaville Resort in Nashville, TN // Northern Kentucky Margaritaville Resort opening 2026

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Images are of Margaritaville Resort in Nashville, TN // Northern Kentucky Margaritaville Resort opening 2026

“Kentuckians searching for their lost shakers of salt won’t have to travel far with the opening of the Margaritaville Hotel Resort in Newport,” Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier said in a statement. “Travelers from within the state and beyond will undoubtedly flock to this entertainment-filled resort. Our cabinet is proud to support this tourism development project.”

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The $133.6 million project in Campbell County, enthusiastically supported by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, holds the promise of significantly boosting the local economy by attracting visitors. This development is not only a source of excitement for the governor but also for the community as a whole, as it is expected to generate 282 new jobs for Kentuckians, a welcome addition. During a recent meeting, the city manager underscored the importance of this resort, describing it as one of the final pieces of the Newport on the Levee puzzle. He noted that the idea of a hotel at Newport on the Levee has been in the works since as far back as 2008, but previous attempts were thwarted by economic downturns. The city manager expressed his enthusiasm, stating that this is an exciting day not just for the Levee but for the entire Greater Cincinnati region. He further emphasized that the resort would serve as a showpiece for the Levee and the city, offering a great attraction as Newport on the Levee continues to progress.

What to Expect at Margaritaville Resort

The new Margaritaville Resort in Kentucky, situated on the banks of the Ohio River in Newport, has some exciting offerings in store:

- A full-service hotel with 264 rooms to ensure your comfort during your stay.

- The JWB Grill, named after the legendary Jimmy Buffett, which is set to become a culinary highlight.

- The License to Chill Bar, where you can relax with your favorite beverages.

- A 12th-floor pool boasting breathtaking views of downtown Cincinnati, complete with an adjacent 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar and Grill.

- More than 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 2,000-square-foot rooftop area for those special gatherings.

Tax Incentives and Support

The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority has expressed its support for this venture by granting preliminary approval for nearly $33 million in tax incentives. These incentives aim to encourage tourism-related projects like Margaritaville Resort and offer a significant advantage for development.

The Margaritaville Resort in Kentucky is gearing up to be a slice of paradise in the heart of Newport on the Levee. With its tropical-inspired amenities, job creation, and economic impact, it's no wonder this project is attracting attention. The resort is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2026, so mark your calendars and be prepared to escape to a Margaritaville experience that will turn every day into a vacation day in Kentucky.

Images are of Margaritaville Resort in Nashville, TN // Northern Kentucky Margaritaville Resort opening 2026

Images are of Margaritaville Resort in Nashville, TN // Northern Kentucky Margaritaville Resort opening 2026

Emily DonohueComment