Fort Myers Beach's Lani Kai hotel: When will it open? What about its rooftop restaurants?

Since the last time In the Know updated you about the Lani Kai, there have been more questions about the rebuilding Fort Myers Beach destination that many of us grew up with in Southwest Florida.

One plan that hasn't changed at this point in the aftermath of 2022's Hurricane Ian is that the vintage hotel is still taking reservations for August and beyond.

Here's what folks are asking and what to know.

Are Lani Kai rooftop restaurants reopening in Fort Myers Beach, Florida?

"I loved the rooftop," Tim Stilwell said, echoing fellow fans such as Lori Oravecz and Sandy Landau. "Is the roof open for dining?"

Here's what the Lani Kai said this week in a statement: "Both rooftop restaurants were completely destroyed by the storm, but we’re in the planning and redesign phase now for them."

And as In the Know has covered previously, the lodge currently does have one beach bar operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and has a menu cooking.

What are plans for glider seating booths at Lani Kai's Sun Deck on FMB?

Christine DeHerrera wanted to know about the special seating featured on the roof for those consuming their favorite beverages and food items: "Miss the gliders on top, such a relaxing spot and great view."

The Lani Kai plans to bring back the gliding booths that allow patrons to move back and forth on a fixed track.

What about chairs and other amenities at Lani Kai in FM Beach, Florida?

Making plans, Nona Snow asked: Does Lani Kai "have chairs to sit at the beach now?"

The hotel does, through the Wind and Water Sports at Lani Kai operation, which also has done parasailing since 1999, along with other rentals.

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Is it true Lani Kai has set a date for when it is to reopen? Not exactly.

Lani Kai devotees like Sue Murphy Perrotti, Linda Siegerdt and Brad Flack were among those wondering about accommodations at the nearly half-century-old hotel.

"When are the rooms available to stay in?" Perrotti asked.

In the Know has been reporting all along that summer is the target, and a few readers have noticed for a while they could book beginning in August, and that suddenly was on fire again on good old Facebook.

"We’ve had booking for August and beyond available since last year. We have just been hoping to be able to book much sooner than that," said Melissa Schneider, Lani's marketing director, enthused about the progress and what's ahead. "It feels so good seeing and feeling all that positive energy and good vibes returning."

And amid the multiple moving parts of recovery, the push is to continue to try to have at least some of the 125 rooms ready prior to August, as part of a potential phased relaunch of opening a floor at a time.

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How do you make reservations for SWFL's Lani Kai, and what's it cost?

"What's the number we can call for a reservation on a room?" asked Judy G. Hooten.

The Lani Kai indicated this week that it doesn't have its phone lines up yet. Reservations are made through the lanikaiislandresort.com site.

When we checked Wednesday for Aug. 1, a standard beachfront room started at $308 nightly.

Based at the Naples Daily News, Columnist Phil Fernandez (pfernandez@gannett.com) grew up in Southwest Florida and has led Pulitzer Prize-winning efforts. He writes In the Know, one of USA TODAY Network's most read local news columns in the state. Support democracy. Subscribe to a newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Lani Kai Fort Myers Beach: When will hotel, restaurant open? Prices?