A Place Humming with Soul

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Fenway Hotel is known as, “a place humming with soul,” according to their website. Combining older influence with modern luxuries, Fenway has gifted Florida with a unique take on luxury hotels. A member of the Autograph Collections Hotels. The standard is set high here at Fenway and the experience to be had is meant to be savored… every step along the way.

Located at 453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin, the historical hotel is protected from the Gulf of Mexico by Caladesi Island. It is here in this charming town where the “Hotel” is a destination in itself. Old Hollywood soul on Florida’s stunning coast, This is the Fenway Hotel.

The hotel was constructed from 1924 to 1927 and was home to the county’s first radio station, WGHB Radio. In 1929 it was reopened, seasonally, as a resort A few years prior to WWII, the hotel evolved into a private club called The Fenway, and during the war, it was one of the only hotels open on its coast A pool was added in 1956, celebrating the hotel opening publicly, year round. After years of success, the hotel experienced many transitional years, including becoming a university In 2018, the hotel was once again reopened as the Fenway Hotel known today.

The rooms and suites are a “vintage inspired design” that live up to their description. Mirrors with curved edges and fun-shaped mirrors reflect the 70s era White curtains and bed sheets allow the patterned pillows and eclectic art to take the space. The themed flare doesn't stop with the room, art continues in the bathroom with tiles colored in blues, reds, oranges and yellows. Their modern take on vintage gives each room a “soothing” vibe Guests are transported back to the era of prohibition all while enjoying the luxuries an elevated hotel has to offer.

Hew Parlor and Chophouse holds double-meaning, named for Herman Everett Wendell though the word hew meaning to cut or chop. The restaurant overlooks the hotel pool as guests are served each course. The blue plaid cushions and intricate marble tabletops make for a “masculine setting in contemporary interpretation.”

The cuisine is as divine as the unmatched service Fenway provides Do not let the “boutique” fool you, this venue goes above and beyond to make sure their guests feel like they are VIP and most welcome. The menu is reasonably priced with the highlight being steaks and burgers. Seafood such as scallops and a catch of the day are also options, including a seasonal sushi menu Guests can devour the classic beef tartare that is infused with a modern twist of chipbar-b-que, to be exact. A perfectly cooked filet may woo you in, but the scallops were made to perfection and literally, melt in your mouth.

To end the night off with a light treat, the restaurant serves fruit sorbet or strawberry shortcake. The parlor bar serves the finest of whiskeys and Scotch, inspired by Dunedin’s Scottish history

As beautiful the parlor and restaurant are by design, it all comes back to the people behind the scenes. Their gift to detail and kindness is a trait the Fenway Hotel holds on to with consistency and well earned pride.

Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar has perhaps the nicest view in the hotel. Overlooking the water, the bar was home to the historic radio station’s studio. The bar serves both red and white wine, but what makes the place special is its draw back to its musical history. Both the radio station and a basement speakeasy allowed music to flow through the halls of the hotel Each cocktail is named after an artist, song, musical reference or clever pun with the most expensive being only $12.

The sunset view is one that can not be missed from the panoramic view Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar provides Locals from the Dunedin area call this spot a “Home-away-from-home”- with a view to live for. “Set the Tempo” with various activities provided by Fenway.

With a variety of events including pool parties, wine pairings and local jazz performance nights, guests can enjoy a taste of artistic history The historic lawn used to provide space for guests to play crockett and other games, but guests may now use it for walking or picnicking. The long rectangular pool reflects the history of the hotel in its older design. Fenway Hotel even rents bicycles for guests to visit downtown. The smooth voice of the radio station host plays from time to time and adds for a poolside delight. Guests can be taken back in time while enjoying a cold glass of historymixology at its finest.

Dunedin’s activities aren’t out of reach as downtown is within walkable distance. With its rich history, Dunedin has multiple museums as well as an art museum and many galleries. A cluster of local breweries are located downtown, including Dunedin Brewery, the state’s oldest microbrewery. Clearwater Jolley Trolley offers one of the largest brew crawls from Clearwater Beach to Tarpon Springs, a 17 mile trek.

Caladesi Island State Park, only accessible by boat, has beautiful waters. The park’s services include a ferry to the island as well as burgers and fruit smoothies A neighboring park, Honeymoon Island State Park, provides hiking trails and birdwatching, accessible by bridge. Honeymoon Island is also where guests may purchase ferry tickets to Caladesi Island.

The Fenway Hotel is a remarkable, “not so hidden gem” right in the heart of Florida’s coveted coastal towns of Dunedin. There is such a level of class and charm that transfers you back into a time long ago. The feeling of “if these walls could talk” lingers the halls. As tempting as the thoughts of the past eras are, Fenway Hotel allows guests to make new memories and enjoy the architectural beauty of the venue, with the soft touch of its delightful staff. Whether you are passing through or wanting to make Dunedin a destination, Fenway Hotel is a must stay and visit hotel worth experiencing time and again.

Our 337 Magazine is lucky to have you on board our first travel section. Your hospitality and kindness were unmatched on our visit around the Florida Coast. Until next time- Cheers

Written by: Celeste Denova and Elisse Nielson

Dunedin

In the heart of central Florida’s west coast, the picturesque open waterfront community of Dunedin is the perfect place to relax and enjoy all that nature has to offer. There is something for everyone in this coastal town In the mid 1850’s, two Scotsmen renamed the settlement Dunedin (‘Dun Eideann’) after the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. It was an important trading center back in the day and Scottish ancestry still shines through with their festivals and celebrations. You will find a village-like atmosphere that attracts people from around the world. From the relaxed lifestyle to fishing, kayaking and sailing, Dunedin showcases a unique scenery made up of beautiful parks and a 4-mile long waterfront.

Honeymoon Island and Caladesi island are both barrier island state parks that offer miles of beaches, hiking trails and plenty of wildlife to view. Pinellas Trail in the heart of Dunedin runs the entire length of the county including through the quaint eclectic downtown. You will experience numerous restaurants, breweries and galleries. You can rent bikes locally, and it's a great way to experience the adorable town of Dunedin.