Vision and Waterfront Luxury: Inside the Story of The Perry Hotel Naples

NAPLES, Fla. — When Michael Raymond and Matthew Strunk look out over the sweeping Cocohatchee River from the rooftop of The Perry Hotel Naples, they see more than just a view. They see the realization of a vision that began nearly two decades ago in Key West.

Raymond, CEO and president of the hotel and managing director of FOD Capital, and Strunk, general manager and CFO of FOD Capital, sat down recently to share the story behind Naples’ newest luxury waterfront destination.

“This is Perry 2.0,” Raymond said. “Our first hotel started in Key West as part of a marina development. What was once a rundown shrimping village turned into a vibrant marina community and eventually, in 2017, The Perry Hotel Key West. That success inspired us to bring the concept north to Naples.”

The Perry name itself honors Commodore Matthew C. Perry, the U.S. naval officer credited with planting the American flag in Key West.

From Vision to Reality

In Naples, the team wanted to deliver more than another luxury property on U.S. 41. They wanted a destination. After scouting the untouched riverfront land, Raymond and Strunk took a literal leap of faith — climbing into a hydraulic lift to measure the potential view from seven stories up.

“Once we got up there and saw the Gulf, the sunsets, the reflection on the water — it was jaw-dropping,” Strunk said. “We knew right then it was worth building higher.”

That decision defined one of the hotel’s most striking features: a rooftop deck with sweeping panoramas of Naples’ backwaters and Gulf Coast sunsets.

A Local Connection

For Raymond, the project also carries a personal connection. His family moved to Naples in the late 1960s when his mother took a teaching job at Lake Park Elementary, where she taught for 25 years.

“At her funeral, both her students and their children came to pay respects,” Raymond recalled. “That was a testament to the deep roots my family has here.”

Designed for Naples, Inspired by Key West

While the Key West property embraced an industrial, maritime aesthetic, the Naples hotel blends those award-winning design elements with modern, coastal luxury. A soaring 30-foot lobby, nautical textures of metal and concrete, and a mix of old and new carry the Perry brand identity.

Dining elevates the experience further. On the seventh floor sits Tigress, a Cantonese chophouse designed with what Raymond calls a “jewel box” feel. Partnered with celebrity chef Dale Talde, the restaurant blends bold flavors with sweeping rooftop views. An adjacent outdoor bar, Easy Tiger, has quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

Lifestyle on the Water

Unlike most Naples hotels, The Perry offers direct access to the Cocohatchee River and its surrounding 1,000 acres of conservation land. Guests can explore by kayak, paddleboard, or the hotel’s new “Go Boats,” or take shuttles to nearby Wiggins and Barefoot beaches. Dolphins and manatees are frequent neighbors.

“It’s really about the journey,” Strunk said. “You can get to the beach anywhere, but here you experience the river, the mangroves, the wildlife. It’s unforgettable.”

On property, guests can enjoy two pools — including the rooftop pool — live music, curated shopping, and a library lounge.

People First

Despite the design and amenities, both leaders point to their staff as the hotel’s greatest asset.

“You walk into the lobby and you’re greeted by Amy’s smile, Peggy’s warmth, Matt’s hospitality,” Strunk said. “Hospitality is in their blood, and it shows in every interaction.”

That culture of service, they say, sets the hotel apart in a competitive Naples market.

Looking Ahead

While inquiries about a “Perry 3.0” have already come in, Raymond and Strunk are focused on making the Naples property a lasting success.

“We want to execute at the highest level, create something memorable and sustainable,” Raymond said. “For now, our focus is here.”

For first-time visitors, Strunk’s advice is simple: “Expect more than just a hotel stay. Expect a destination. Whether it’s dining, kayaking the river, or just watching the sunset from the rooftop — it’s all about creating experiences that stay with you.”

WATCH FULL INTERVIEW HERE

About the Interviewer: Amanda Pearson

This spotlight conversation was led by Amanda Pearson, a passionate community advocate and host of the Community Matters podcast. With a career rooted in education, civic leadership, and nonprofit strategy, Amanda brings a deep understanding of Southwest Florida’s cultural and philanthropic landscape.

Amanda currently serves as the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the David Lawrence Centers. Her previous roles include Vice President of the Leadership Collier Foundation, of the Greater Naples Chamber, and leadership positions in both schools and nonprofit boards across the region. Recognized by Naples Illustrated’s Naples 100 Most Influential Leaders and Gulfshore Business’s 40 Under 40, Amanda continues to lead meaningful conversations that highlight the people and places shaping our community.

The Perry Hotel Naples

12155 Tamiami Trail N Naples FL 34110