The Luminary Hotel & Co. lights up downtown Fort Myers
How do you open a hotel room without a room key?
Holding up her cell phone to the door, Megan Humphrey demonstrates how to unlock a guest room utilizing the Luminary Hotel & Co.’s mobile key check in experience during a virtual tour of the newly opened property.
Stepping into the room after the door unlocks, Humphrey, the Senior Sales Manager for the Luminary Hotel & Co., explains some of the features of a standard king room like a chaise lounge for reading or business, an artisan pantry loaded with snacks and a steamer to keep clothes wrinkle-free.
“You will see throughout the room artwork about history from the area like this photo of the historical downtown,” she says, pointing to an image of Downtown Fort Myers, where the hotel is located a five-minute drive from The Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
Sustainability is also at the forefront of the 243 room and suite hotel, which opened on Sept. 23, with guest rooms featuring water carafes than can be filled on every floor as an alternative to single use plastics.
Director of Sales Tom Albrecht points out that all rooms are sealed off after their cleaned so travellers can rest assured that no one has entered their room after it was sanitized.
Albrecht says some of the hotel’s unique features include yoga lessons overlooking the downtown core, meeting rooms that can be used as test kitchens, 24/7 gym access with modern equipment and a cafe which roasts all the beans for the hotel.
“We really want to be part of the downtown community,” he says.
As a member of the Autograph Collection, the trade can also benefit from its preferred agency recognition program, Marriott Luminous.
“We love our Canadian travel agents,” he adds.
With WestJet taking off once a week as of Nov. 5 and Air Canada increasing service to daily flights come December, Jeanette Faria, Account Manager, Canada for The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, says there are lots of options for clients looking to take advantage of the warmer weather in the region.
And for those clients seeking an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity, look no further than the Beacon Social Drinkery located on 12 floor of the hotel, which is open to the public.
“It has a fabulous view,” says General Manager Bob Megazzini.
Guests of Luminary Hotel & Co. have ample options to explore their culinary curiosity – from a signature restaurant and rooftop bar, to a casual street side diner and coffee roastery.
The Silver King Ocean Brasserie – “Silver King” is the nickname of the tarpon – the glimmering gamefish which have long drawn avid anglers to the waters of Fort Myers. Borrowing this noble name, the hotel’s signature restaurant is scheduled to open in November and will showcase the quality of fresh seafood through clean, simple preparations using classic technique with a modern palate.
Ella Mae’s Diner – Located on the hotel’s ground floor with access to Bay Street, Ella Mae’s celebrates Dr. Ella Mae Piper’s legacy and gives a welcome twist to the classic southern diner, where inspired chefs put a lighter touch on a lineup of traditional neighbourhood favourites. It’s here the community comes together to share stories as they enjoy soul food with finesse.
The Workshop – The Workshop is the hotel’s state-of-the-art culinary laboratory, where the community and guests are encouraged to innovate, experiment and collaborate. With stadium-style seating, The Workshop is available for private functions, in addition to hosting a lineup of hands-on classes, presentations and demonstrations, as well as sessions showcasing the skills of local, regional and national chefs.
Beacon Social Drinkery – Twelve stories up, this rooftop bar lights up downtown Fort Myers with a dizzying selection of craft cocktails, fine wines, craft beer and champagnes, served alongside a refreshing menu of small plate specialties, high above the Caloosahatchee.
Dean Street Coffee – Paying homage to the extension of Dean Street that used to exist where the Luminary Hotel now sits, specialty coffees, specialty coffees, carefully selected teas and curated retail items blend harmoniously with an upbeat neighbourhood vibe. With its on-site Giesen Coffee Roaster overseen by roasting experts, guests can fuel up for the day while learning more about this artisanal craft. Dean Street Coffee is served as the house coffee, flowing through the hotel, its guest rooms, various dining outlets and the neighboring Caloosa Sound Convention Center.
Ella Mae’s Diner is named after the legacy of local philanthropist Dr. Ella Mae Piper
