Omni Hotels & Resorts has opened Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, following a ceremonial ribbon cutting held on Thursday. The hotel welcomed its first guests as part of the expansion of the Broward County Convention Center District. The opening was completed in partnership with Broward County, Visit Lauderdale and developer Matthews Southwest.
“Today’s opening marks an exciting new chapter for Broward County and Omni,” said Kurt Alexander, president of 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 hotel is located on the Intracoastal Waterway and includes 801 guest rooms with 82 suites, seven dining venues, a Mokara Spa, a fitness center and more than 120,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Amenities also include a pool deck and proximity to Port Everglades Cruise Terminal and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Omni Fort Lauderdale serves as the anchor hotel for the convention center district expansion. The project addresses demand for on-site convention accommodations and is intended to support large-scale events. The development is expected 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.”
The building was designed by Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architects, with Balfour Beatty serving as design builder and Stantec as architect of record. Interior design was completed by EoA Group. The design concept was inspired by Florida landscapes and references the historical journey of the Barefoot Mailmen, with spatial elements intended to reflect movement from land through waterways to open water.
Meeting and event facilities include more than 120,000 square feet across multiple levels. Additional space includes the Port Everglades Ballroom, breakout rooms and outdoor terraces connected to the convention center.
Dining operations are led by executive chef Cristian Mosquera. The hotel includes Fair Ketch, Reef 76 Kitchen & Bar, Ibis Sky Lounge, Hidden Key, Tide Coastal Kitchen and Leeward Market. An additional Italian chophouse is scheduled to open in 2026.
Wellness amenities include the Mokara Spa, which spans more than 8,500 square feet on level 10 and features treatment rooms, a Hammam, a steam room and a relaxation lounge. A fitness center and pool deck are located nearby, completing the hotel’s wellness and recreation offerings as the property begins operations within the convention center district.