Omni Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Broward County, Visit Lauderdale, and developer Matthews Southwest, officially opened the doors of Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on December 18, welcoming its first guests. This debut signals the brand’s flagship arrival to Greater Fort Lauderdale.
“Today’s opening marks an exciting new chapter for Broward County and Omni,” Kurt Alexander, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts, said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful to the Broward County Board of Commissioners for their vision and leadership, as well as to our construction, design, and development partners whose collaboration brought this hotel to life—marking Omni’s proud return to South Florida after more than 20 years.”
Commanding a prime waterfront location on the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, the hotel features 801 guestrooms, including 82 suites, seven distinctive dining venues, a full-service Mokara Spa and fitness center, over 120,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, and an expansive panoramic pool deck. The hotel’s offerings are further complemented by direct access to the convention center, along with proximity to pristine beaches, Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, and Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport.
(Omni Hotels & Resorts)
Serving as the cornerstone of the Broward County Convention Center Expansion, the entire project is poised to generate more than $450 million for the local economy and create more than 3,000 full- and part-time jobs.
“It is with immense pride that we open our doors and welcome our first guests to Omni Fort Lauderdale,” said Gayla Guyse, general manager of Omni Fort Lauderdale. “Our prime waterfront location, exceptional amenities, and seamless integration with the convention center uniquely position us as a premier meetings and leisure destination on a global scale. This allows us to drive meaningful economic impact, continue to create professional opportunities for our community, and deliver the award-winning service that defines the Omni experience.”
Conceived by Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architects, in collaboration with Balfour Beatty (design builder) and Stantec (architect of record), with interiors by EoA Group, the hotel’s design is a contemporary architectural tribute to Florida’s landscapes. The interior design vision was directly inspired by the legendary journey of the “Barefoot Mailmen”, the 19th-century couriers who once crossed beaches, rivers, and marshes on foot to connect distant communities along Florida’s coast.
As the newest epicenter for Greater Fort Lauderdale’s conventions, meetings, and events, Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel offers over 120,000 square feet of elegant, flexible, state-of-the-art meeting and event space. Its grand centerpiece is the 30,000-square-foot Waterway Ballroom, the largest ballroom in Greater Fort Lauderdale with an expansive outdoor terrace, offering panoramic Intracoastal views. Highlights include the 15,000-square-foot Port Everglades Ballroom, 47 distinct spaces, 27 breakout rooms, and scenic outdoor terraces across three levels.
(Omni Hotels & Resorts)
Distinctive Dining with South Florida Flavor
Under the direction of Executive Chef Cristian Mosquera, a Greater Fort Lauderdale native and Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, the hotel’s culinary program celebrates regional ingredients and global influences. The hotel currently features six dining experiences:
- Fair Ketch: A dynamic sports bar featuring a state-of-the-art Topgolf Swing Suite.
- Reef 76 Kitchen & Bar: Signature restaurant showcasing coastal cuisine fused with bold Caribbean influence.
- Ibis Sky Lounge: A rooftop social lounge with unparalleled views and craft cocktails.
- Hidden Key: A sophisticated lobby bar with indoor and outdoor waterfront seating.
- Tide Coastal Kitchen: An exclusive poolside retreat for in-house guests.
- Leeward Market: A café offering specialty coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go options.
Gold Coast Wellness & Relaxation
Inspired by Florida’s natural springs, the Mokara Spa offers a tranquil escape. Spanning over 8,500 square feet on level 10, this relaxing sanctuary features eight treatment rooms, a Hammam, a steam room, a courtyard with an intimate plunge pool, and a relaxation lounge. Steps from the spa and fitness center, the resort-style pool deck—one of the largest in the area—features sweeping Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Ocean, and city views.
To learn more or to book your reservation, please visit omnihotels.com/fortlauderdale.
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