Why Mary’s Resort is a 4-Star Rated Property --  Words From the Owner:

Mary's Resort was created as an exclusive upscale tropical retreat, welcoming small, well-behaved pets. The specific location is Sailboat Bend, on the edge of Fort Lauderdale. This is the only historic neighborhood within the City of Fort Lauderdale. Its history dates back hundreds of years, to the Tequesta Indians. Within one block is the New River, a city park and the historic Swing Bridge. Within several blocks is the cultural center of Fort Lauderdale, offering the Center for Performing Arts, Museum of Science and Discovery, the Art Museum and many other historical and cultural activities.

Mary’s Resort features four structures, which were built in 1928. These were one of the first of the post 1926 hurricane reconstruction.  When I purchased the property, It was beautiful, but in need of restoration. I took special care to retain the original charm, architecture and character, while blending modern luxury.
 
All of the structures were gutted and rebuilt, wall-by-wall.  I added features like soundproof insulation and impact glass (hurricane resistant) doors and windows. The old wood siding was replaced with a wood grain concrete board for durability and hurricane safety. Whenever possible, I restored original wood floors. In other cases, I replaced old wood flooring with new wood flooring. All have central air conditioning, new plumbing, electrical service, appliances and fixtures.  The project took over a year and was completed in 2007.

All rooms and suites offer unique furnishings and custom touches like hardwood flooring, cathedral ceilings. No two are alike. Most have French doors and private outdoor decks or patios. All have LCD television, DVD players, and clock radios with CD and iPod ports. There are coffee makers, irons, ironing boards, refrigerators and microwave ovens in all rooms. Each room and suite has an electronic safe with room for a laptop. Mini-Suites have a kitchenette and separate sitting areas. Two of the suites have full kitchens. As shown in the virtual-tours and photos, you will find granite counters and stainless steel appliances.

All baths are private and they all offer glass showers and Toto sinks and toilets with hydraulically closing seats. Showerheads offer massage settings.  Aveda products are exclusively used in all rooms and suites.  (Aveda approved Mary's Resort as an "Aveda Property" when I opened. To achieve this, a hotel must be at least 4-star rated.) The 2-bedroom suite has a large bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and glass shower. Towels are extra-large and thick Dundee Concierge brand.

Bedding is high quality (not hotel bedding) with pillow-top mattresses, 4 pillows per bed, luxury high thread-count sheets and linens.  Comforter sets come are coordinated with bed skirts and
pillow shams. We’ve gotten great compliments on the beds! 

The property offers a new heated swimming pool with elevated built-in Jacuzzi and waterfall. The extensive gardens, patios and walkways (made with imported Chicago-Brick) have semi-private sitting and sunning areas. A multi-speaker outdoor sound system surrounds guests with tranquil and relaxing music. The chase lounges and upright pool chairs are as shown on the website. 

The gardens are unique and feature several hundred varieties of plant life. We have two mature mango trees and a Valencia orange tree, which provide fresh fruit for our guests. In addition to the many varieties of palm trees, you will find a large sapodilla tree and a huge mahogany tree – both nearly 100 years old. The entire property is gated, totally private with no visible neighbors. You truly feel as though you are in a secluded oasis.

We have private gated parking for all guests. Guests are offered the use of our new laundry machines.  We have mountain bikes, which may be used by guests. Massage services are available upon request. An arrangement has been made with a local spa, which offers guests complimentary transportation to and from the spa. A limousine service is contracted to pick guests up at either local Airport or cruise port if they choose. They can also have an executive sedan or a stretch limousine available for transportation. If they decide to rent a car, we can arrange that as well.  Flowers can be ordered while making a reservation, or after arrival. We can customize vacation packages, which include the above, plus tours, excursions, restaurants, theatre and more.

Because we are located in a Historic district, the City will not allow a restaurant on site. We have a contract with "Order in Hospitality Services" to deliver and serve a full Lunch and Dinner menu. In addition, we have an exclusive relationship with several upscale restaurants. As an example, when I send guests to Galanga Thai Kitchen & Sushi Bar (a Top-10 Zagat rated restaurant in greater Fort Lauderdale), they receive a complimentary glass of wine or dessert. In addition, a special menu is being created for Mary’s Resort. 

As you can see, we are very unique and our reviews and customer feedback support this. Because most of the accommodations have either a full kitchen or kitchenette, we sometimes have longer term guests.  Many find us on the popular HomeAway.com and VRBO websites.  Please see the links on the Reviews and Links page of this website.