Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast elevates with $7 million transformation, but its signature shines brighter

Everything about the newly transformed Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast speaks to the culture and intention of the resort-inspired hotel as a premier destination for business and leisure travelers and families. With thoughtful design details nodding subtly to Southwest Florida’s ties to Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, renovated meeting and conference spaces, the new 24-hour Marketplace and 169 redesigned luxury guest rooms, the $7 million project elevates the guest experience of the award-winning hotel, a premium collection IHG Hotel and top-rated Tripadvisor property.

The renovation retained the Crowne Plaza’s original footprint while carving out more space for an expanded Oasis Restaurant & Bar, larger fitness and business centers and a new collaborative workspace called The Studio. The two-year project also introduces a new modern interior design aesthetic, evident in the mid-century modern furnishings, the swirling gold rings of the lobby’s 260-pound chandelier and quartz reception desks with waterfall edges and custom-designed illuminated gold acrylic panels.

The building’s exterior was also refreshed with a white façade and gray accents. Inside, the color palette was updated with soft navy blue, raw woods and metallic accents complemented by brushed gold, emerald green, splashes of cognac and hand-carved carpeting in the lobby. Gold continues into The Studio and the chairs at the Oasis’ community table.

“We are thrilled with the redesign and extensive renovations and more importantly so are our regular guests and new customers,” said Brian Holly, managing director of Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast. “The team really captured the Crowne Plaza brand’s vision of elevated elegance balancing leisure and business for modern travelers.”

“It’s a night and day difference,” said Zach DeBoy, owner and CEO of Atlanta-based Dasis, a general contracting firm which led the transformation. “I’d hear guests commenting that it looked like a new hotel.”

The reimagining created a new business center opening to the lobby and the Marketplace, offering fresh foods, snacks, beverages, beer and wine. The old fitness center was converted into the stately Boardroom with sleek ergonomic chairs and a lake view. Ballrooms and nine meeting rooms now span 10,000 square feet, accommodating up to 300 guests for conferences and social events.

“We’ve done a lot of hotels since 1987 and the whole organization is top shelf,” said DeBoy. “It shows in the operations and consistent appearance of the building and the high quality of the new finishes.”

Catering to business travelers with resort-style amenities, including a lakefront pool, hot tub spa and alfresco firepit, guests enjoy comfortable beds and the “plushest carpet I’ve ever used in a hotel,” said Lisa Robinson, president and owner of Luxe Hospitality Design in Atlanta.

Robinson was the original interior designer when Holly and co-owner Jim Field built the hotel in 2008. Her design introduces those understated references to Edison and Ford through abstract artwork featuring lightbulbs, headlights, Model Ts and banyan trees. Additional artwork conveys the essence of water and waves. A signature mixed-media piece by a local artist hangs behind the lobby desks.

“Jim and Brian wanted to elevate the property to the next level, and they didn’t want a lot of references to the ocean or the beach,” said Robinson. “They wanted something unique travelers might not know about. There are flashes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford everywhere. There’s an old-fashioned typewriter, a microscope in The Studio and test tubes as vases.”

Guestrooms and main gathering spaces are layered with elements reflecting the Crowne Plaza’s brand standards as an upscale business class hotel. Charging stations and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property allow guests to stay connected and productive. The Edison and Ford references and porthole mirrors in guestrooms create a sense of place and inspiration. Relaxed and comfortable seating is restorative as is the calming palette of white, blue, taupe and neutral hues in guestrooms, which feature oversized desks and work areas.

“One of the ways we elevated space in the common areas was by using real leather, not faux,” Robinson said. “All fabrics are luxuriously soft to the touch. Guests will remember how they felt.”

A popular dining and bar destination for locals and hotel guests with live entertainment every Friday evening, the Oasis Restaurant & Bar features craft cocktails, classic cuisine with a regional twist, indoor and outdoor dining and exceptional service. The renovation added wrapped walls, metal screens, additional banquettes and tables – all with lake views.

“We wanted to bring in an elevated look and more privacy,” said Robinson. “Some spaces are really open; others are cozy for families.”

Expanded to 800 square feet, the fitness center overlooks a lake and offers state-of-the-art Precor equipment including treadmills and elliptical trainers as well as Peloton, an Assault Fitness rower and free weights. The Studio features a relaxed ambience with clean-lined furniture and bright gold and aqua.

The project was coordinated with minimal impact to guests. The lobby and restaurant remained open during construction.

“Jim and Brian take a lot of pride in the hotel,” said Robinson.

That pride is also reflected in the Crowne Plaza’s culture and team member relations, which DeBoy observed during his frequent visits. He was also impressed by the lush landscaping at the team member entrance and break area and the gallery of staff event photos.

“The team member area is so well-manicured and landscaped, it should be in the front of the building,” DeBoy said. “You can tell Brian and Jim think highly of their staff, take care of their people and realize every team member is their greatest asset. Our superintendent felt like he was part of the family. The hotel had a send-off party for our crew when we were done.”

“At Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast, we believe that creating an exceptional guest experience starts with how we care for our team members,” Holly said. “When we treat our team like family, they naturally extend that same warmth and care to our guests. We are deeply committed to fostering a positive, rewarding work environment because valued team members create the kind of experience that makes guests feel right at home.”

Located at I-75 exit 128 and Alico Road, Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast is close to entertainment, dining and shopping at Gulf Coast Town Center as well as Florida Gulf Coast University, Southwest Florida International Airport, major businesses and affluent residential and golf communities. The hotel’s close-to-everything proximity and unparalleled conference and event space make it a favorite for leisure and business travelers, families, conference planners, local businesses and community groups.

The hotel is also convenient to Hertz Arena, MLB spring training at JetBlue Park and Lee Health Sports Complex, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Sun-kissed Gulf of Mexico beaches, islands and outdoor recreation are within a 30-minute drive.

Free shuttle service to the airport and nearby destinations within a three-mile radius, complimentary parking and Wi-Fi enhance the guest experience at Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast, recognized with multiple awards for guest satisfaction. The property is consistently ranked in the top two on Tripadvisor of 64 Fort Myers hotels based on traveler reviews.

Designed for the modern business traveler with its upscale business-meets-leisure signature style, Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast offers an on-site business center open 24 hours a day, smart TVs and the latest technology for a luxurious and productive stay.

Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast is located at 9931 Interstate Commerce Dr. in Fort Myers. For reservation inquiries or additional information, call 239-561-1550, toll-free at 877-227-6963 or visit crowneplaza.com/fortmyersfl.