Historic Mari Jean Hotel to be renovated into gay resort in St. Pete's Grand Central District
THE MARI JEAN IS LOCATED AT 2349 CENTRAL AVENUE IN THE GRAND CENTRAL DISTRICT
Did you know that St. Pete is continuously ranked as one of Florida’s top cities for inclusivity of LGBTQ+ individuals?
Entrepreneur and designer David Fischer recognized the need to cater to this diverse community through his many whimsical ventures, including his ultra-popular COCKtail bar, The Saint Speakeasy, and ZaZoo'd.
DAVID FISCHER, OWNER OF The Wet Spot Pool Bar & Day Club, COCKTAIL, THE SAINT, AND ZAZOO’D.
His latest downtown St. Pete venture is The Mari Jean Hotel, an adults only gay men’s hotel currently being redeveloped at 2349 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. The new Mari Jean will reopen later this year as the premier resort for gay travelers, with 54 spacious hotel rooms consisting of kings, queens, and one full suite, to accommodate guests from around the world.
The original Mari-Jean Hotel building is a historic property, built in 1926 and heavily associated with the expansion of St. Pete’s tourism industry during the city’s golden era. At the time of its opening, the Mari-Jean Hotel boasted fifty-six rooms and baths and reflected the evolving character of the city’s local lodging, from small boarding homes to large scale hotels.
The Mari-Jean was operated by its initial owner for more than 34 years until 1970. The owners lived in an on-site home set in the hotel’s lavish gardens. The house was relocated and remodeled in 2013 as the Metro Inclusive Health LGBTQ Welcome Center.
ROOMS AT THE HISTORIC MARI JEAN HOTEL WILL HAVE AN ECCENTRIC STYLE
When speaking to the inspiration/story behind the Mari Jean Hotel, Fischer shared, “I visited St. Pete over many years before living here and have seen the two gay resorts (Flamingo & The Suncoast) come and go. With the large gay population in St. Pete, I felt there was a need for an upscale approachable version of a gay resort. A place the gay community would be proud to call their own. Though St. Pete is a very diverse city, there is still a need for safe spaces where the gay community can be their authentic selves.”
The new hotel will feature exciting amenities including a pool and day club called The Wet Spot, a high-energy bar and nightclub called COCKtail, a speakeasy called The Saint, and an on-site restaurant serving food at both COCKtail and The Wet Spot, highlighting American traditional cuisine with unique bites, entrees, and deliciously interesting cocktails. Guests will also have complimentary access to beach chairs, umbrellas, and bicycles to explore the area.
The Wet Spot Pool Bar & Day Club WILL BE BUILT ON A 9,000 SQUARE FOOT LOT ADJACENT TO THE MARI JEAN HOTEL
As the owner of famed home décor store ZaZoo'd, David and his team have designed every aspect of the new property, with colors and elements from some of his venues being translated into the design of the new hotel. Think sleek, contemporary, with deep blue hues and pops of neon green. A smaller version of ZaZoo’d will also open in the lobby focusing on products and apparel for gay males.
Along with the two bars that will be open to locals, The Wet Spot pool bar and day club will offer local day passes, monthly memberships, and VIP cabana rentals. The Mari Jean will periodically share a local discount for St. Pete residents looking for a fun adults-only staycation.
RENOVATIONS TO THE MARI JEAN WILL TAKE PLACE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WITH PARTS OF THE PROPERTY OPENING IN TIME FOR ST. PETE PRIDE IN JUNE