Fort Myers Beach Famous Lani Kai Accepting Reservations For Summer

It is one of the most iconic and most infamous hotels on the beach. Severe damage from Hurricane Ian left many people wondering if it would reopen or be lost to new development like so many other spots on Southwest Florida barrier islands. However, it is now official. Fort Myers Beach famous Lani Kai accepting reservations for summer as of this week.

Hurricane damage was so devastating that a year and a half later, only two existing resorts have reopened. A few blocks south of Lani Kai, the Diamond Head Beach Resort opened around this time last year. On the north end of the island, the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina is open for guests. In addition, the new Margaritaville Beach Resort is bustling with visitors to the beach.

The Lani Kai opened its doors in 1977. For decades it has been a mecca for Spring Breakers and beach parties, oftentimes scandalous. Besides its beach bars, the Lani Kai had an express elevator to its rooftop and a more upscale restaurant. It is still closed.

Currently, the beach bar at the Lani Kai is open. Employees begin serving tropical cocktails at ten in the morning and keep going until six at night. In addition, there is a limited food menu.

A weekend report on NBC-2 in Fort Myers quoted owners as saying the rooms are currently under renovation and opening is on target for August. At press time, the Lani Kai's website did not offer an official opening date. However, when I tried to make a reservation, the first open date was August 15th.

It's anoher long awaited sign of recovery on the island that was changed forever by the wrath of Hurricane Ian.

Media in attendance were given free food and drinks to sample at the reopening of the Beacon Social Drinkery, the renovated Luminary Hotel rooftop bar, in exchange for an unbiased review.

The much anticipated unveiling happened last night. Here is an inside look at the renovated Luminary Hotel rooftop bar downtown Fort Myers. The Beacon Social Drinkery is arguably one of downtown's most popular spots to mingle. Even better, it has the best sunset view. Beacon is the rooftop bar at The Luminary Hotel & Co. and it is now dressed in black, red and silver with pops of green. It is in celebration of the Chinese Year of the Dragon.

When Beacon Social initially opened, it was bright, light and airy. It is still airy, but the colors are darker and the vibe is more trendy-chic. The rafters are dark and adorned with bright red paper lanterns. Couches that once sprawled on the deck have been replaced with both high and low tops. It seems to flow better and allow for more people to mingle. There is new lighting and vibrant artwork as well. In addition, a new green wall with the words “Shed a little Light” in neon is perfect for photo-ops. It looks great. The sunset was amazing too.

The Year of the Dragon theme also carries over to the cocktails and cuisine. They have an Asian flare. The menu full of small bites has been redesigned and it got great reviews from those in attendance last night. New to the line-up include things such as Shrimp and Mango Summer Roll, Steamed Pot Stickers, Pork Belly Bao Bun, Grilled Shrimp Skewers in ginger garlic soy sauce, and lots more. In addition, it has a few of Beacon's old favorites such as Wagyu Beef Sliders and Fig & Goat cheese Flatbread.