One Particular Harbor: Margaritaville's new hotel coming to Fort Myers Beach

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK) — The owners of Margaritaville are taking another step in bringing more tourists to Fort Myers Beach with plans for a new upscale hotel.

The hotel, previously referred to as Silver Sands Resort, will be named One Particular Harbor, a new chain of upscale luxury hotels and condos connected to the Margaritaville brand. The name is a nod to Jimmy Buffett's 1983 hit song.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach approved an ordinance change for the 60-room boutique hotel to be built next to The Whale near Margaritaville. Small changes are being made to the layout of the hotel to address one of the community's biggest concerns: traffic.

"I think anything we can do to help the flow of traffic would be really nice," Scott Safford, an FMB councilman, said.

During the planning process, Patrick Vanasse, a planning consultant with The Neighborhood Company, shared that Margaritaville will be creating a pedestrian barrier along Estero Boulevard to prevent jaywalking and continue to aid in better traffic flow during season. The barrier will extend from Primo Road to Crescent Street.

"We believe that the compromise we are presenting addresses that concern to the greatest extent we can," Vanasse said.

The hotel removed two parking spaces near the intersection of Estero Boulevard and Primo Road to help with traffic visibility. There will also be a drive that loops around the building instead of under, allowing for more parking on their lot.

A 5-foot easement will also be added to separate the narrow street and parking. The easement along Primo Road will provide extra space for drivers' comfort.

"We had a bit of a green facing the waterfront, the canal. We've unfortunately lost that, but it's more important to have the parking," Vanasse said.

During the meeting, Vanasse showed data from the Fort Myers Beach Visitors Bureau that the number of rooms on Fort Myers Beach is down 40% compared to before Hurricane Ian. He believes the boutique hotel will be beneficial for the area.

"I think we need those rooms back. We need heads in beds. We need people to spend money on our island and help all the local businesses, and this is a great project, a great boutique hotel that will contribute towards that," Vanasse said.

While neighbors have shared their concerns that adding a 60-room hotel to a high-traffic area could create more traffic, Vanasse shared that this is a great spot for such a hotel. The location is in the downtown core, an area slated for the highest densities and activity within the town.

"Just wanna highlight that we are in the downtown core. This is an area slated for the highest densities, intensities and activity within our town, so we believe this is an appropriate area for this use. It is very complementary to surrounding uses, creates synergies amongst businesses and again, I think it's a hotel that is attractive and fits into the character and is gonna benefit the downtown area," Vanasse said.

In efforts to mitigate traffic, the hotel will be part of a "don't rent a car" program and provide bikes for guests. On-site bike racks and pedestrian improvements will also be included, along with a 15-foot enhanced sidewalk along Estero Boulevard and a wayfinding pole.

The One Particular Harbor hotel will be discussed by the Fort Myers Beach council members on Sept. 9, around 1 p.m.