The highly anticipated flagship celebrated its ribbon-cutting and welcomed its first guests, introducing elevated hospitality and world-class amenities as the premier anchor of the recently expanded Broward County Convention Center District<\/p>\n
Fort Lauderdale, FL (December 23, 2025) \u2013 Omni Hotels & Resorts<\/a>, in partnership with\u00a0Broward County<\/a>,\u00a0Visit Lauderdale<\/a>, and developer\u00a0Matthews Southwest<\/a>, today officially opened the doors of\u00a0Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel<\/a>\u00a0with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, welcoming its first guests. This debut signals the brand\u2019s flagship arrival to Greater Fort Lauderdale, introducing a new benchmark for sophisticated coastal luxury and elevated hospitality in South Florida. Marking a key achievement in the Broward County Convention Center District expansion, the hotel now serves as its definitive anchor, setting a new regional standard as a world-class destination for meetings, events, and leisure.<\/p>\n “Today\u2019s opening marks an exciting new chapter for Broward County and Omni,” said\u00a0Kurt Alexander,\u00a0President of Omni Hotels & Resorts. \u201cWe 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 \u2013 marking Omni\u2019s proud return to South Florida after more than 20 years.\u201d<\/p>\n Commanding a prime waterfront location on the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, the hotel features 801 elegantly appointed guest rooms, including 82 suites, seven distinctive dining venues, a full-service Mokara Spa and fitness center, over 120,000 square feet of flexible meeting & event space, and an expansive panoramic pool deck. The hotel\u2019s offerings are further complemented by unparalleled convenience, with direct access to the convention center and minutes from pristine beaches, Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. “It is with immense pride that we open our doors and welcome our first guests to Omni Fort Lauderdale,\u201d said\u00a0Gayla Guyse,\u00a0General Manager of Omni Fort Lauderdale. \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n A Coastal Sanctuary Inspired by Florida\u2019s Natural Beauty A Premier Meetings & Events Destination Distinctive Dining with South Florida Flavor Fair Ketch<\/a>: A dynamic sports bar featuring a state-of-the-art Topgolf Swing Suite. Gold Coast Wellness & Relaxation For high-resolution images, B-roll, and more information about Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel,\u00a0click here<\/a>. Social Media: Facebook (@omnifortlauderdale<\/a>) and Instagram (@omnifortlauderdale<\/a>)<\/p>\n
A Landmark Partnership
This milestone is a collaborative effort among\u00a0Omni Hotels & Resorts,\u00a0Broward County,\u00a0Visit Lauderdale, and developer\u00a0Matthews Southwest. Serving as the cornerstone of the Broward County Convention Center Expansion, the hotel stands as a powerful catalyst for economic prosperity, with the entire project poised to generate more than $450 million for the local economy and create more than 3,000 full- and part-time jobs.<\/p>\n
Conceived by\u00a0Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architects, in collaboration with\u00a0Balfour Beatty\u00a0(design builder) and\u00a0Stantec\u00a0(architect of record), with interiors by\u00a0EoA Group, the hotel\u2019s design is a contemporary architectural tribute to Florida\u2019s stunning 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\u2019s coast.<\/p>\n
As the newest epicenter for Greater Fort Lauderdale\u2019s\u00a0conventions, meetings, and events<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n
Under the direction of\u00a0Executive Chef Cristian Mosquera, a Greater Fort Lauderdale native and Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, the hotel’s\u00a0culinary program<\/a>\u00a0celebrates regional ingredients and global influences. The hotel currently features six dining experiences:<\/p>\n
\nReef 76 Kitchen & Bar<\/a>: Signature restaurant showcasing coastal cuisine fused with bold Caribbean influence.
\nIbis Sky Lounge<\/a>: A rooftop social lounge with unparalleled views and craft cocktails.
\nHidden Key<\/a>: A sophisticated lobby bar with indoor and outdoor waterfront seating.
\nTide Coastal Kitchen<\/a>: An exclusive poolside retreat for in-house guests.
\nLeeward Market<\/a>: A caf\u00e9 offering specialty coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go options.<\/p>\n
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\u2014one of the largest in the area\u2014features sweeping Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Ocean, and city views.<\/p>\n
To learn more or to book your reservation, please visit\u00a0omnihotels.com\/fortlauderdale<\/a>.<\/p>\n