NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Get out your parrot hats!
As New York City starts to reopen, a taste of paradise is being offered up in the heart of Times Square.
Visitors can now waste away and search for that lost shaker of salt at the new Margaritaville Resort, which held its ceremonial opening Thursday with a performance of its namesake song by Jimmy Buffett and a toast with margaritas.
The property bills itself as the only resort in the city and as COVID recedes, developer Sharif El-Gamal thinks the timing is right to open.
The 32-story resort features a heated outdoor swimming pool that's accessible year-round, 234 guest rooms and suites, a 24-hour fitness center, five original restaurant and bar concepts, and daily live entertainment and events. There's also a Margaritaville retail store on the street level.
"Look at that swimming pool. We're the only swimming pool in Times Square in New York City," said developer El-Gamal. "People want to have fun and get readjusted to social environments and engage."
The area is still quiet, but Margaritaville corporate CEO John Cohlan thinks they'll be part of the city's comeback.
"People come to visit New York but this gives them an opportunity to come and vacation in New York," Cohlan said. "Our business across the country right now is up 10-15% over 2019. There's a lot of pent up demand for leisure so I think it's going to be busting out."
The resort is located at 560 Seventh Avenue at 40th Street.
Drink and dining options include the signature Margaritaville Restaurant & Tiki Bar, LandShark Bar & Grill, 5 o'Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar, and License to Chill Bar.
The resort officially opens July 1.