Wilton Manors’ small resorts say they’re unconcerned about competition from Wilton Hotel

By Romina Franzese New Pelican Writer

Wilton Manors –

The small resorts that dot the landscape of this city are an evolution from its origins as a bedroom community, single-family homes and duplexes converted to oases of tourism.

That landscape will evolve further when the 123-room Wilton Hotel & Pool Club is built at the Five Points intersection (behind the Wells Fargo) and opens, possibly by late 2027 or early 2028.

The hotel will offer a more traditional lodging experience than the small resorts, but those owners and managers who spoke to The New Pelican say they aren’t worried it will impact their business because they cater to a niche community.

Doug Pouncey, owner of the Fantasy Island Inn, is one of them. His is a bed and breakfast and he says there is a big demand for that kind of accommodation. “I really don’t think it’s going to have much of an effect because the hotel can be very expensive. I only have three rooms so it’s small, quiet and it’s very convenient to everything. I’m only 300 feet from the main entertainment district (Wilton Drive).”

The owner of Ed Lugo Resort is also unconcerned.

The 7-story Wilton Hotel & Pool Club will include 123 rooms, a rooftop bar and pool, dining, fitness studio, and meeting rooms. [Wilton Hotel] Doug Pouncey, owner of the Fantasy Island Inn, is one of them. His is a bed and breakfast and he says there is a big demand for that kind of accommodation. “I really don’t think it’s going “They have been talking about a hotel for 25 years and when they come up with a plan, it never happens because the numbers are not there,” said Ed Lugo, who thinks the Wilton Hotel will struggle with empty rooms.

“But if they build it for 2028, it wouldn’t affect the small businesses because it would be a completely different product. They (the hotel) are going to be competing with 250 hotels in the Fort Lauderdale area, and we just compete with maybe five hotels,” he said. “That means that it will not affect us because it’s a completely different product. It wouldn’t affect the small businesses at all.”

Michael Olson, the property manager at Islands Inn On The Drive, predicts a possible short-term impact, but nothing permanent or serious.

“Honestly, I don’t think it will make a big impact because we are right behind all the bars. It’s an adult-only, clothing-optional boutique-style resort with amenities, and our clientele books us for something like that rather than a big hotel that allows children. Our regular guests will come back after staying at the hotel one time.”

Wilton Hotel project developer Mark Ellert of IAG Florida said construction won’t begin until around May of next year. The additional rooms could be a boost to businesses in the city, allowing more visitors to stay within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops along Wilton Drive, Dixie Highway and other nearby streets.

Visit wiltonhotelandpoolclub.com for more information about the hotel.