In general, from what I've seen in Real Estate Development ... Assuming everything goes perfectly: (And this is heavily simplified) Site selection, & acquisition (if not already owned) - 6 mo to 1 year depending on raising capital, financing, due diligence and determination of appropriateness for project by consulting experts. You want municipal utilities in place, ex. Sewers, electric, water. If not, add anywhere from 2 - 10 years to the project. Maybe more. You better have very good capital backing you from the get go, regardless of whether or not you need to acquire the site. If not, you won't be able to pay soft costs before construction, which will be anywhere from 15-25 % of the project. (Professional services, taxes, marketing, consultant fees, property/land maintenance, legal fees, management fees, brokerage fees, insurance, and on). Essentially, without solid capital funding, the project is a pipe dream and you aren't ready to talk time. Conceptual design proposals: 2-3 months You would want proposals from multiple Architecture & engineering firms. Depending on the site, things seem to run smoother when you finalize a site plan/scheme with a civil engineer/planner before approaching an architect. Architects aren't as good as they think in dealing with site constraints for a large project. All depends on how much time you have to spend. Time = money, this is where financial backing is critical. Young scrappy, or small Architecture firms will produce greater innovation on a project like this, however, you would be better served by medium to large sized firms if time is an issue. Architecture, engineer, legal team selection - 1 month. Schematic design and Design Development - 3 - 6 monthsPreliminary Entitlements (rights to build from governing body) - 6 months to 3 years from first discussions with municipal government. Or never. Design development & Final Development Plans - 1 mo to 1.5 years. Final Approvals (last submittal to govt. to get project entitled. This is separate from permitting) - 3 to 6 months.Construction cost estimates & budgeting should refined continuously. Financing for construction loans should be initiated during design development. Construction documents - 3-6 months. If you can fund it, this should start immediately after submitting for final approvals.Project bidding and General Contractor - selection 3 - 6 months. Construction Start to Finish - 1.5 to 3 years. TL,DRTotal Project Time, Start to Finish -u00a0 5 to 12 years, or never. Depending on 1,000 moving parts outside of your control, your financial backing, skill of your professionals, and your own skill in navigating the process. You had also better have a good hotel tenant lined up before construction, or you'll never get financed, especially with a shipping container concept.