Omni Fort Lauderdale Debuts

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Omni Fort Lauderdale debuts

by Gregg Wallis

Omni Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Broward County, Visit Lauderdale and developer Matthews Southwest, officially opened the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel.

“Today’s opening marks an exciting new chapter for Broward County and Omni,” said Kurt Alexander, president, Omni Hotels & Resorts. “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.”

The property, located on the Intracoastal Waterway, has 801 guestrooms, including 82 suites, seven dining venues, a full-service Mokara Spa and fitness center, more than 120,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting & event space, and an expansive panoramic pool deck. It also have direct access to the Broward County Convention Center and is near 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,” said Gayla Guyse, GM, 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. From the moment of arrival, the hotel’s design narrative unfolds, guiding guests along a symbolic trail from land through the Everglades to the shoreline, harbor and channel, ending in open water.

The property offers more than 120,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space. Its centerpiece is the 30,000-sq.-ft. Waterway Ballroom, the largest ballroom in Greater Fort Lauderdale with an outdoor terrace, offering panoramic Intracoastal views. Beyond the grand ballroom, highlights include the 15,000-sq.-ft. Port Everglades Ballroom, 47 distinct spaces, 27 breakout rooms and scenic outdoor terraces across three dedicated levels.

Inspired by Florida’s natural springs, the Mokara Spa offers therapeutic massages, facials and signature Hammam steam rituals. Spanning more than 8,500 sq. ft. on level 10, it features eight treatment rooms, a Hammam, a steam room, a courtyard with an intimate plunge pool, and a relaxation lounge. Adjacent to the spa, the hotel’s wellness journey continues in a fitness center. The resort-style pool deck features private cabanas and an event lawn with Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Ocean and city views.