The Grand Lady Of Dunedin Makes Her Historic Return

DUNEDIN, FL -- Following an extensive renovation, the historic Fenway Hotel in Dunedin will welcome its first overnight guests on Nov. 8.

However, Dunedin residents are already enjoying the hotel's signature restaurant and rooftop bar.

Fenway Hotel at 453 Edgewater Drive opened its HEW Parlor & Chophouse for dinner service on Oct. 25 and added normal restaurant operations on Monday with breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner and a weekend brunch.

The hotel is now taking reservations for overnight guests with the first reservations available Nov. 8.

The historic boutique hotel is a collaborative project between Tampa-based Mainsail Lodging & Development, a member of the Autograph Collection of Marriott International, and the owner of the property, the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA.

“Our vision for the Fenway Hotel has become a reality, with a spectacular finished product that beautifully blends touches of the past in a modern setting, giving new life to this integral piece of the destination’s charming, offbeat character,” said Joe Collier, president of Mainsail Lodging & Development. “We’re grateful for all the tremendous work and support behind the project, allowing us to introduce a new generation to ‘The Grand Lady of Dunedin’.”

Originally opened in 1927, Fenway Hotel is an icon of the jazz age, playing host to notable explorers, artists, politicians, musicians and living legends in its time as an operating hotel. Considered to be the “most historically valuable structure” in Dunedin, the hotel was also home to the first radio station in Pinellas County, which began broadcasting from the roof of the Fenway in 1925.

Today, the new hotel features 83 guest rooms and suites; the HEW Parlor & Chophouse, featuring chophouse cuts, chef-driven seasonal preparations and an extensive whisky and Scotch collection; the Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar overlooking St. Joseph Sound; a combined 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, featuring the Caladesi Ballroom with water views; a resort-style pool.

The lobby will feature live music throughout the week (Monday through Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday during brunch from 10 to 3 p.m.), celebrating Fenway’s musical heritage and providing a jazzy soundtrack to the guest experience.

The historic lawn will serve as a playground, event venue and gathering space, ideal for croquet, badminton, Tai Chi classes and weddings that feature views of Caledesi and Honeymoon islands.

The Fenway has also curated a collection of authentic adventures and activities encouraging visitors and locals alike to explore new experiences in their own backyard. A full list of activities is available on the hotel’s event page.

Fenway Hotel is also conveniently located on the route of the Jolly Trolley, which connects guests to Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs and everything in between.

In a shared commitment to preserving and promoting the city’s legacy and heritage, Fenway Hotel has formed a partnership with the Dunedin History Museum. To support the museum’s ongoing mission, the hotel will feature a rotating collection of artifacts in the lobby, host special tours and participate in other programming throughout the year.

Images via Fenway

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