It looks like Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort (1111 N. Ocean Dr.) is finally fins up!
Jimmy Buffett must have heard the whirl of blenders making margaritas at the resort's soon-to-open 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar and Grill, because the lead Parrothead, himself, dropped in to the $179 million resort last week for a little tour. The property features 349 guest rooms, including the Jimmy Buffett suite, which clocks in at 2,834 square-feet, making it probably three times larger than your apartment.
A DJ on Buffett's Sirius satellite radio channel (also called Margaritaville) tipped off the singer's appearance by announcing he visited the resort to jump on the beds. Sure enough, the singer/songwriter posted a joyful picture on his Facebook page with the Buffett-esque statement, "growing older, but not up".
'Growing older but not up!' a fun visit to Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort (opening soon).
Posted by Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers on Thursday, September 3, 2015
It looks like Buffett had a long and fruitful day at his namesake hotel. The singer crashed a team member training session, shocking the roomful of employees. Kicking off his shoes and getting comfortable, he spoke to the enraptured audience about the Margaritaville brand and the new resort.
Buffett also took a hardhat tour of the property, sporting a shark's fin on his neon yellow safety headwear.
We had a special visitor today!
Posted by Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort on Thursday, September 3, 2015
He then signed a decorative shark sculpture, giving helpful instructions as to whether the sea creature's fins were to the "left" or "right".
The beach-obsessed crooner also conducted an interview for Margaritaville TV, on the 11th floor rooftop terrace, where the License to Chill bar is located.
Buffett wound up the day with a little meditation on the beauty of scenic Hollywood Beach.
Though no official opening date has been announced, October 1 is the first date rooms can be booked at Margaritaville, with rates starting at $206.10 (taxes and a $15 daily resort fee additional) for a room with an Intracoastal view. That date might change, according to the website, which states, "As of now, the first guest reservations are open beginning in October. We will adjust this date as we get closer to our opening." A source that wishes to remain confidential has mentioned that employees were told the resort is scheduled to "soft open" on September 22, though it's not clear if just the Margaritaville restaurant will open or the entire property will welcome guests at that time.
To make a reservation, visit MargaritavilleResorts.com or call 954-874-4444.
Dave Minsky contributed to this report
