Omni Hotels & Resorts has opened the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, the brand’s third flagship location in Florida.
The project was developed through a partnership between Dallas-based Omni Hotels & Resorts, Broward County Government and Visit Lauderdale, with development led by Matthews Southwest. Architectural design was spearheaded by Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architects in collaboration with Stantec as architect of record, while Balfour Beatty served as design builder. Interior design was completed by EoA Group.
The 29-story property includes 801 guestrooms, more than 120,000 square feet of meeting and event space, six dining venues, a large pool deck and a full-service Mokara Spa. Located near the Broward County Convention Center and the Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, the hotel provides access to local beaches and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
“I am honored to celebrate the grand opening of the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, representing a transformative moment for luxury hospitality in South Florida,” Gayla Guyse, general manager of the property, said in a statement. “With culinary concepts that celebrate regional flavors, expansive function space and connectivity to the Convention Center, we have created a destination that reflects the energy and natural beauty of Greater Fort Lauderdale.”
The hotel’s design draws inspiration from Florida’s coastal landscapes and the story of the “Barefoot Mailmen,” 19th-century couriers who traveled along Florida’s beaches to deliver mail between Palm Beach and Miami. The property’s guestrooms include 82 suites, incorporating coastal color palettes, natural materials and floor-to-ceiling windows designed to maximize water and skyline views. Two presidential suites—located on the 27th and 28th floors—cover more than 3,000 square feet and include private balconies overlooking the city and ocean.
The hotel’s more than 120,000 square feet of event space is highlighted by the 30,000-square-foot Waterway Ballroom and a terrace overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Additional facilities include the 15,000-square-foot Port Everglades Ballroom, 27 breakout rooms and multiple outdoor terraces across three levels.
Dining at the hotel is led by executive chef Cristian Mosquera, a Fort Lauderdale native trained at Le Cordon Bleu. The property includes several food and beverage concepts, including Reef 76 Kitchen & Bar, Fair Ketch with a Topgolf Swing Suite, Hidden Key Bar & Lounge, Leeward Market café and Tide Coastal Kitchen at the pool deck.
At the top of the hotel, the adults-only Ibis Sky Lounge offers nearly 360-degree views of the city, ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. The rooftop venue is positioned as the highest bar in Fort Lauderdale.
Wellness amenities include the 8,500 sq.-foot Mokara Spa, featuring eight treatment rooms, a hammam, steam room, plunge pool courtyard and relaxation lounge. A fitness center and large resort-style pool deck with private cabanas and an event lawn overlooking the water complete the property’s recreational offerings.