Margaritaville reservations begin for Fort Myers Beach resort slated to open this year

Parrot Heads can start making reservations for next year for Fort Myers Beach's Margaritaville, a week after Great Wolf Lodge began taking bookings for its upcoming complex.

The pair of major resorts are two of the highest profile nationally recognized destinations Southwest Florida has ever attracted in its history.

Here's eight things to know:

1. What is the Margaritaville Beach Resort in Southwest Florida?

Inspired by singer Jimmy Buffett, the $200 million compound will feature restaurants, bars and 254 rooms and suites.

The six-acre complex on the Gulf of Mexico is rising at the foot of the Matanzas Pass Bridge near the northern end of Estero Island.

2. When can guests begin making reservations to stay at Margaritaville?

Visitors can book reservations right now at the MargaritavilleResorts.com web site for stays that begin March 15, and can reserve for as late as about a year from now.

But note that at least a few users were having trouble connecting Wednesday afternoon while others were reporting glitches.

3. What about Margaritaville's plans to open by the end of this year?

This continues to be the goal for Margaritaville, so don't be surprised if you'll get another shot at rooms that become available for prior to March 15.

Like Naples Great Wolf Lodge, which expects to open earlier than the dates it has set for reserving, Margaritavllle's leaders are keeping an eye on hurricane season to see how that might affect schedules.

4. What's the price of the first available night at Margaritaville on FMB?

Rooms were selling Wednesday for as low as $935 for the first night for advanced purchase including taxes and the $30 resort fees.

Want a little more flexibility for Day One? The total becomes $1,036, allowing for free cancellation two weeks before the planned arrival.

5. How much will I pay if I wait until after the initial reservation days?

The prices continue to drop into the $600 range including taxes and fees in the subsequent weeks for basic digs. And then the best pricing comes next summer.

For example, in August 2024, you can get a standard 300-square-foot room for $367, all fees and taxes included, and that allows you to cancel two weeks before. However, if you want a partial view of the gulf, you'll pay about $100 more. And then there are even higher price levels for improving on that.

6. How does that compare to the Margaritaville on Hollywood Beach?

If you wanted a partial view of the Atlantic Ocean there this coming Saturday night, that'll cost you $455, all fees and taxes included, thanks to a Florida resident rate.

For that same first night on March 15 for a basic $935 Fort Myers Beach room, you'll dole out $690 for oceanfront in Hollywood.

More:Florida's Great Wolf Lodge: 'Lot of new bells and whistles.' Insider look at what's ahead.

7. What about hiring for the Margaritaville FM Beach resort?

The hiring of executives has been ongoing this year. The most recent job to be posted at the resort is an IT administrator position last week.

A human resources leadership slot posted earlier this year and paid $20 to $28 an hour, according to a listing. No date has been announced for the hiring of service positions.

More:Great Wolf Lodge has set date to open in Southwest Florida, bookings start now

8. What about expansion plans for Fort Myers Beach Margaritaville?

Margaritaville has been in the design stage for the Silver Sands Villas demolished by last year's Hurricane Ian, adjacent to the resort.

The town is expected to review plans later this year, with Margaritaville hoping to begin work by 2024 toward growing with an offering of balcony suites with parking underneath and some retail. And future expansion is possible.

Based at the Naples Daily News, Columnist Phil Fernandez (pfernandez@gannett.com), who grew up in Southwest Florida, writes In the Know as part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. Support Democracy and subscribe to a newspaper.