Rising above the Intracoastal Waterway and physically connected to the newly expanded Broward County Convention Center, the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel represents a major new player in South Florida’s luxury scene.
Opened in December 2025 as Omni’s flagship in Greater Fort Lauderdale, the 29-story property aims to balance polished convention-center convenience with a coastal resort sensibility.
With 801 guest rooms, seven distinct dining concepts, a resort-style pool deck, and a full-service Mokara Spa, the hotel positions itself as a one-stop base for cruise passengers, business travelers, and vacationing families who want a modern, high-comfort stay just minutes from Port Everglades and the beach.
Location and First Impressions
The Omni Fort Lauderdale sits within the Broward County Convention Center District, a redeveloped waterfront area designed to attract major events, cruise traffic, and upscale leisure travelers.
Instead of a beachfront address, the hotel fronts the Intracoastal Waterway, offering views of marinas, passing yachts, and the downtown skyline.
It is a strategic location rather than a purely scenic one, with Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, and the sand of the barrier island beaches all a short drive away.
Arrival is framed by contemporary architecture that reads more urban tower than beach resort. The building’s lines are crisp and vertical, and the designers have leaned into a modern South Florida aesthetic with extensive glass, muted coastal tones, and landscaping that nods to mangroves and native palms.
Inside, the lobby is spacious and theatrical without being overwhelming. Design elements reference the historic “Barefoot Mailmen” who once walked this coastline, with subtle maritime motifs, textured stone, and wood details that suggest docks and boardwalks rather than a themed set.
The scale is striking, particularly for travelers used to boutique beach hotels. At 801 rooms and more than 120,000 square feet of meeting and event space when combined with the attached convention center, this is a big, bustling property that feels like the hospitality anchor it was designed to be.
Yet early impressions are softened by layered seating areas, a central lobby bar, and an overall light-filled palette that keep it from feeling like a cavernous convention box.
Noise and activity levels in the public spaces will vary dramatically depending on convention and cruise schedules. During major events, the lobby, elevators, and restaurants will likely be busy, with a noticeable buzz of name badges and business groups.
On shoulder days or outside peak cruise seasons, the hotel’s large footprint gives it a calmer, more residential feel, especially on the pool and spa levels.
Rooms and Suites: Space, Views, and Comfort
Guest rooms at the Omni Fort Lauderdale were clearly designed to appeal both to short-stay cruise passengers and to travelers settling in for a multi-night conference or vacation.
The standard layout emphasizes clean lines and a soft, coastal-inspired palette of sands, creams, and sea-glass hues, with floor-to-ceiling windows in many rooms to take advantage of Intracoastal and city views.
At 801 rooms including 82 suites, there is a wide range of configurations, from entry-level kings and doubles to larger corner units and premium suites with expanded living areas.
Furnishings skew contemporary and functional. Expect upholstered headboards, generous work desks, integrated power and USB outlets, and either a chaise or a comfortable side chair for lounging.
The beds follow Omni’s brand standard of plush, supportive mattresses with high-thread-count linens, which should be welcome after a long travel day or a late night at a convention event.
Storage is relatively generous, with ample closet space and drawers to accommodate both business attire and beachwear, although those traveling with large cruise trunks may want to unpack strategically.
Bathrooms are modern and bright, with walk-in glass showers in most categories and a mix of showers and tubs in higher-end units and suites.
Finishes favor stone-look tile and sleek fixtures, and the lighting is noticeably better than the dim, yellowed standard still found in many legacy convention hotels.
Counter space is sufficient for two travelers’ toiletries, and the inclusion of backlit mirrors and good task lighting makes getting ready for meetings or dinner more efficient. Higher-category suites add more luxurious touches and expanded vanity areas.
Tech features aim for a contemporary standard: large flat-screen televisions with streaming compatibility, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, and a room-control scheme that balances simplicity with flexibility.
Travelers expecting ultra-high-tech smart rooms will not find cutting-edge automation here, but the systems are designed to be intuitive rather than fussy.
For those sensitive to noise, upper floors facing the waterway will likely feel quieter than lower-level rooms facing the convention center activity, making room selection a meaningful consideration.
Amenities: Pool Deck, Spa, and Fitness
One of the Omni Fort Lauderdale’s standout assets is its elevated pool deck, which serves as the hotel’s primary leisure hub.
Positioned above the surrounding streetscape, the deck offers long views over the Intracoastal and the city’s skyline, particularly dramatic at sunset when the lights of marinas and bridges begin to glow.
The main pool is large enough to handle a considerable guest load, with ample loungers, cabanas, and shaded areas distributed to avoid the feeling of being on top of other guests, even in busier periods.
Pool service is designed to feel resort-like within an urban context. A dedicated poolside dining concept provides light bites, salads, and sandwiches along with a cocktail list heavy on tropical flavors and refreshing classics.
Families will appreciate the casual atmosphere and easy food options, while couples and business travelers can stake out quieter corners with better views. On weekends and during high season, expect a more social scene, with music and conversation contributing to the atmosphere.
Just as central to the hotel’s identity is the Mokara Spa, Omni’s signature wellness brand. The spa leans into a contemporary interpretation of Florida wellness, offering a range of massages, facials, and body treatments along with distinctive Hammam-inspired rituals that draw on steam and heat therapies.
Design-wise, the spa contrasts with the busy convention and lobby spaces, emphasizing softer lighting, natural textures, and a slower pace that encourages lingering before and after treatments.
The fitness center is sized for the hotel’s scale, with a substantial selection of cardio machines, free weights, and functional training equipment.
Large windows help the space feel less like a basement gym and more like an extension of the wellness offerings, and early reports suggest that the equipment mix will satisfy both casual exercisers and more dedicated fitness travelers.
For guests preparing for a cruise or decompressing from a packed conference schedule, the ability to pair a strong workout with spa access and the pool deck is a meaningful advantage over older properties in the district.
Dining: From Lobby Social Hub to Rooftop Lounge
In a city enjoying a culinary renaissance, the Omni Fort Lauderdale aims not just to keep guests fed but to claim its own share of the local dining scene.
At opening and in the months that follow, the hotel rolls out seven different food and beverage concepts, each targeting a specific mood and time of day.
The flagship restaurant, Reef 76 Kitchen & Bar, serves as the main all-day dining venue, emphasizing coastal South Florida flavors: fresh local seafood, Caribbean-inflected ingredients, and produce-forward plates that feel lighter and more modern than the convention-hotel stereotypes of buffets and rubber-chicken banquets.
Adjacent to the main arrival zone, a lobby bar and lounge concept acts as the social heart of the property. Here, guests can transition easily from morning coffee and pastries to afternoon meetings over small plates and into evening cocktails before dinner.
The design blends high ceilings and statement lighting with softer lounge seating, encouraging both quick check-in moments and lingering conversations.
For business travelers, this becomes an informal extension of their meeting space; for leisure guests, it is a relaxed vantage point for people watching and planning the next outing.
Casual and grab-and-go needs are handled by a market-style café that offers specialty coffee, light breakfasts, snacks, and portable meals suitable for excursions or tight conference schedules.
Sports fans and groups looking for a more boisterous environment gravitate toward the hotel’s sports bar, where multiple screens, hearty comfort food, and a Topgolf Swing Suite installation combine into a destination in their own right.
The simulation bays, in particular, give groups an easy built-in activity for team-building evenings or pre-cruise celebrations.
Crowning the property is Ibis Sky Lounge, an adults-only rooftop bar that has already drawn attention from local and national travel media.
The space combines indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic views over the Intracoastal and city lights, positioning itself as a sophisticated option for sunset gatherings and late-night cocktails.
The menu skews toward creative small plates and tapas-style dishes, paired with a cocktail program that leans into botanicals, tropical fruits, and visually striking presentations.
For guests interested in experiencing Fort Lauderdale beyond the beach, an evening at Ibis Sky Lounge is likely to be a highlight of a stay at the Omni.
Meetings, Events, and Cruise Travel Convenience
Given its location and scale, the Omni Fort Lauderdale has been conceived as a major meetings and conventions hub for Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Within the hotel, guests find more than 70,000 square feet of event space, anchored by the 30,000-square-foot Waterway Ballroom and the 15,000-square-foot Port Everglades Ballroom.
Both spaces emphasize high ceilings, integrated technology, and natural light, distinguishing them from older, windowless ballrooms that can feel disconnected from their destinations.
Beyond the ballrooms, the property offers dozens of breakout rooms, pre-function spaces, and terraces that can be configured for everything from small board meetings to social receptions.
The seamless interior connection to the Broward County Convention Center expands the potential footprint dramatically, allowing major conventions and trade shows to pair large exhibit halls with a full-service, on-site headquarters hotel.
For planners, the combination of sleeping rooms, dining venues, and integrated meeting space simplifies logistics and enhances the overall attendee experience.
The hotel’s proximity to Port Everglades makes it particularly attractive to the cruise market. Many guests will treat the Omni Fort Lauderdale as a pre- or post-cruise base, taking advantage of its easy access to both the cruise terminals and the airport.
In practical terms, this means the property is likely to develop strong services around baggage handling, early check-ins, and transportation coordination, although specific offerings will evolve as the hotel’s operations mature.
Cruisers who value a more sophisticated overnight experience than a purely functional airport hotel will find the Omni’s combination of amenities and location compelling.
Social events, from weddings to galas, are also a key part of the property’s business plan. Terraces overlooking the Intracoastal and skyline provide atmospheric backdrops for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours, while the ballrooms can be tailored for large-scale celebrations.
As Fort Lauderdale continues its push to rebrand itself as a luxury destination, expect the Omni to play a visible role in hosting marquee charity events, high-profile corporate gatherings, and destination weddings that make use of both its urban and coastal character.
Service, Brand Personality, and Guest Experience
As a flagship opening tied closely to Broward County’s convention and tourism strategy, service standards at the Omni Fort Lauderdale are under particular scrutiny.
Omni Hotels & Resorts has built its brand on a combination of traditional hospitality, regional flavor, and a willingness to compete directly with luxury chains without always matching their price points.
At this property, that translates into a focus on warm, personalized service within a large-scale environment that could easily feel anonymous if not managed thoughtfully.
Leadership has been entrusted to an experienced Omni general manager with decades in the brand, a sign that the company understands the complexity of launching a property of this size and visibility.
Staff are expected to blend the professionalism required of a major convention hotel with the lighter, more conversational tone suited to leisure guests and cruise travelers.
You can anticipate a service culture that values remembering guest preferences, smoothing over travel snags, and offering practical local advice on everything from beach access to dining beyond the hotel’s walls.
The Omni brand’s community commitment is also visible here, most notably through the Say Goodnight to Hunger initiative that ties each stay to local food bank support.
In Fort Lauderdale, the hotel has partnered with Feeding South Florida, making donations that provide meals across Broward County.
While this may not directly affect the day-to-day guest experience, it reinforces the sense that the hotel intends to function as a local stakeholder rather than a detached outpost, a factor that can resonate with socially conscious travelers and meeting planners.
Because the property opened in late 2025, the service operation is still relatively new and evolving. Early guests can expect a high level of enthusiasm and attention, alongside the occasional growing pains that accompany the fine-tuning of large-scale hotel operations.
Over time, service consistency at the front desk, in-room dining, and housekeeping will be key in determining whether the Omni Fort Lauderdale earns a long-term reputation in line with its ambitious opening narrative.
Who the Omni Fort Lauderdale Is Best For
Given its scale, location, and amenities, the Omni Fort Lauderdale is not trying to be all things to all travelers, but it does successfully appeal to several overlapping segments.
Business travelers and convention attendees are the most obvious beneficiaries of the hotel’s integration with the Broward County Convention Center, as the ability to move between guest room, meeting space, and dining venues without stepping outdoors is a significant convenience in a subtropical climate prone to sudden downpours.
Cruise passengers will also find the hotel set up to meet their needs, especially those seeking a more elevated pre- or post-sailing stay.
The combination of a resort-style pool deck, full spa, and upscale dining means travelers can effectively begin or extend their vacation in a setting that feels much more sophisticated than a typical port hotel at the edge of a highway.
Families may appreciate the extra space, on-site food options, and convenient access to both the convention center and nearby attractions, although those prioritizing direct beach access might prefer an oceanfront property.
Leisure travelers and couples looking for a city-meets-waterfront experience rather than a purely beach-focused escape will be well-served here.
The Omni’s closeness to downtown, the performing arts district, and the city’s increasingly notable restaurant scene makes it an appealing base for exploring Greater Fort Lauderdale beyond its shoreline.
The adults-only Ibis Sky Lounge and the spa add romance-friendly elements, while the modern design and strong amenities create a sense of occasion that fits anniversary trips, quick weekend escapes, or staycations for South Florida residents.
Travelers who prefer intimate, independently run boutique hotels may find the Omni’s scale and convention energy less attractive.
Likewise, purists who consider a Fort Lauderdale stay incomplete without opening their balcony door directly onto the sand might see the Intracoastal setting as a compromise.
For many modern travelers, however, the trade-off of slightly greater distance to the beach in exchange for a richer mix of dining, wellness, and event options will be more than acceptable.
The Takeaway
The Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel arrives at a moment when the city is actively redefining its image from spring-break standby to full-fledged luxury destination.
Positioned at the heart of the Broward County Convention Center District, the hotel embraces its role as a flagship property, combining the scale and infrastructure required for major meetings and cruise traffic with design, dining, and wellness offerings that aim to feel distinctly of South Florida rather than generically coastal.
Spacious, well-equipped rooms and suites, a resort-style pool deck, and the Mokara Spa bring leisure appeal, while varied restaurants and bars, including the rooftop Ibis Sky Lounge and Topgolf-equipped sports bar, help the hotel function as more than just a place to sleep between meetings.
Service culture and operational consistency will determine how successfully the property fulfills its early promise, but the foundation of thoughtful design and comprehensive amenities is firmly in place.
For travelers who value convenience to the convention center and Port Everglades, alongside a modern, polished hospitality experience, the Omni Fort Lauderdale emerges as one of the city’s most compelling new options.
It is a hotel that looks toward Fort Lauderdale’s future, offering guests a contemporary interpretation of coastal sophistication that feels aligned with the city’s broader transformation.
FAQ
Q1: Is the Omni Fort Lauderdale directly on the beach?
The hotel sits on the Intracoastal Waterway within the Broward County Convention Center District, not on the oceanfront. Beaches on the barrier island are a short drive away rather than directly outside the hotel.
Q2: How close is the Omni Fort Lauderdale to Port Everglades for cruises?
The property is located near Port Everglades, making it a convenient option for pre- and post-cruise stays. Travel time to most cruise terminals is typically just a few minutes by car or rideshare, depending on traffic and terminal location.
Q3: What kinds of rooms and suites does the hotel offer?
The Omni Fort Lauderdale features 801 guest accommodations, including standard king and double rooms and 82 suites. Many rooms offer Intracoastal or city views, and suites add extra living space and upgraded amenities tailored to longer or more luxurious stays.
Q4: Does the hotel have a resort-style pool?
Yes. The Omni Fort Lauderdale offers an elevated outdoor pool deck with a sizable main pool, ample loungers and cabanas, and long views over the Intracoastal and skyline. A dedicated poolside dining concept provides food and drinks throughout the day.
Q5: What spa and fitness facilities are available?
The hotel includes a full-service Mokara Spa offering massages, facials, body treatments, and Hammam-style rituals, along with relaxation areas. A large fitness center equipped with modern cardio and strength training equipment is available to guests daily.
Q6: What dining options are on-site?
Guests can choose from multiple venues, including the main all-day restaurant with a coastal South Florida menu, a lobby lounge for drinks and small plates, a sports bar with a Topgolf Swing Suite, a market-style café for grab-and-go items, a poolside dining outlet, and the rooftop Ibis Sky Lounge for cocktails and tapas-style dishes.
Q7: Is the Ibis Sky Lounge open to non-hotel guests?
The Ibis Sky Lounge is designed as a destination rooftop bar for both hotel guests and locals, with an adults-only policy and a focus on cocktails and small plates. Access policies, hours, and reservation requirements may evolve, so it is wise to confirm details with the hotel directly before visiting.
Q8: How suitable is the Omni Fort Lauderdale for families?
The hotel’s spacious rooms, pool deck, casual dining options, and proximity to both the convention center and local attractions make it family-friendly, particularly for pre- and post-cruise stays. However, some venues, such as the Ibis Sky Lounge, are adults-only, and the property is not directly on the beach, which some families may prefer.
Q9: What makes the Omni Fort Lauderdale appealing for meetings and events?
The combination of on-site ballrooms, numerous breakout rooms, terraces with Intracoastal views, and seamless connection to the Broward County Convention Center gives planners a highly flexible environment. Modern design, integrated technology, and a variety of on-property dining and entertainment options further enhance its meetings and events appeal.
Q10: How does the hotel reflect Omni’s community and sustainability efforts?
The property participates in Omni’s Say Goodnight to Hunger program, partnering with Feeding South Florida to support local food security with donations tied to guest stays. Design and operational choices also emphasize a long-term role in the district’s economic and social life, aligning the hotel with broader community development goals in Broward County.