FORT MYERS, Fla -- The highly anticipated Luminary Hotel officially opened in Downtown Fort Myers on Wednesday. The 12-story waterfront project has been years in the making and is the newest addition to the downtown skyline.
The 243-room hotel is something that's going to have a significant impact on the River District. Southwest Florida's history has shaped much of what it has to offer. From sweeping room and rooftop views of the Caloosahatchee River, to restaurants inspired by and named after some Fort Myers pioneers.
Ella Mae's diner opened Wednesday morning and is named after entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Ella Mae Piper, who opened the first beauty shop in Fort Myers. Another restaurant draws inspiration from Southwest Florida's fishing culture.
The name of the hotel symbolizes the "luminaries" or pioneers, who helped make Southwest Florida what it is today.
A rooftop bar overlooking the river is scheduled to open mid-October. There's been so much buzz surrounding the grand opening, the general manager said the hotel is completely booked through Sunday.
With the timing of the opening, he added that he anticipates it will not only be a hot spot for visitors, but staycationers as well.
