Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Brantley and Garret McCann.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The building was built in 1958. We took over on 2015 and renovated. The Brantley family wanted to preserve the old late 50s Lauderdale architecture. Our building is unique in that it used to be a winter hideaway for snowbirds. We retained the spacious quality of the apartments, the open views of the rooms and enhanced the kitchens and baths. As a 16 unit property split between two villas surrounding a courtyard, we a quiet, intimate and retain that old world charm.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Renovating is never easy and we dealt with a LOT of noise when the county put in the new Isle of Venice bridge. The building had good bones, but anything from the late 50s will give you plenty of surprises!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Villas Las Olas Hotel’Apart – what should we know?
The Brantley family has been in the hospitality industry since the early 1980s. We own several Hiltons in the Washington, DC area. This is our only independent hotel. As a whole, The Brantley Hotel Group has long been focused on a personal and warm relationship with guests (whether the hotel is a small or large establishment) – in the case of The Villas Las Olas, we focus on personal attention with the guests, but strike a balance between being helpful and involved in a guest’s stay and giving the guest space and privacy. The Villas Las Olas is run on a very European business model that many Americans are not too familiar with yet – but come appreciate once they stay with us. Our style of meet and greet is most familiar to those who may stay in a bed & breakfast, however we are larger than a B&B and operate much like any other hotel. However, our full name includes hotel’apart – which are found throughout inns in Europe and most commonly riads in North African countries like Morocco. Our hotel’apart sets us apart in that we offer a full apartment for guests in a hotel like setting. All of our rooms include a full kitchen, living room and either 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms and baths. After extensive traveling on my part in Morocco, I fell in love with the riad model and decided to try it out here in Fort Lauderdale.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
A feeling of a personal connection with guests, impeccable linens and housekeeping, beautiful interiors, and a lush tropical courtyard garden.
Our location is PRIME. Right on the corner of Las Olas Boulevard and Isle of Venice Drive smack-dab in the middle of the beach and downtown Fort Lauderdale. We are called in many reviews “a hidden gem” – for good reason…you would never know our little oasis is tucked into this corner surrounded by a dock full of million-dollar catamarans and a courtyard with pool.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1 Isle of Venice Drive,
Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Website: www.thevillaslasolas.com
- Phone: 954-800-2121
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevillaslasolas/
- Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34227-d9853825-Reviews-The_Villas_Las_Olas_Hotel_Apart-Fort_Lauderdale_Broward_County_Florida.html
Image Credit:
The Villas Las Olas Hotel’Apart
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