W Fort Lauderdale
Beauty and the Beach
Inspired by its beachfront locale, the newly minted W Fort Lauderdale captures the breeze and beauty of Fort Lauderdale Beach with its iconic sail design and subtle homages to the sand and sea. This year, every corner of the 517-room resort was completely restyled thanks to a $55 million renovation, transporting guests to a modern and vibrant atmosphere infused with sunshine and decadence.
Dazzling…
The perfect word to describe this oceanfront masterpiece. Just across from the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, valet attendants eagerly await guests to escort up to check-in. Even before you make it to the lobby, the elevators immerse you in W Fort Lauderdale’s signature vibe with upbeat tunes and mirrors with animal print etching. While checking-in, the lobby teases you with socialites mingling in the adjacent Living Room with a full-service bar, pristine outdoor terrace, and shimmering light beaming through portholes from the rooftop pool above. Before you know it, you’re whisked away to your spacious suite with crisp white bedding, rose-gold furniture accents, blue ombre curtains and mesmerizing carpet inspired in design by the ocean’s seafloor. Every room has views of either the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal waterway, outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies to take in the view. Insider’s tip: bring along your four-legged friend, as pups are welcome and treated like royalty with the ‘Dog Gone It’ pet suite upgrade.
Detox, Retox, Repeat
From the moment the sun rises, until after it’s set, W Fort Lauderdale offers guests a plethora of energizing, relaxing, and indulging activities. Wake up and fuel your morning on the sandy shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach with the hotel’s complimentary daily beach boot camp and yoga classes. Continue to stretch out and soak up the sun on WET Deck, the property’s vibrant rooftop pool and bar outfitted with graphic black and white tiling. With new daybeds, plush loungers and live DJs on the weekends, this high-energy, rooftop sunbathing mecca offers the best people watching and sizzling suntans this side of the sunshine state. Take a dip and strike an underwater pose – at no other W hotel will you find transparent pool walls, perfectly lending itself to your next Instagram masterpiece.
Those seeking a flavorful aperitif won’t be disappointed by the colorful cocktail menu in Living Room, the hotel’s bustling bar and social scene. To go along with the property’s glamorous new look, the hotel shook up its entertainment for guests and introduced a new lineup of nightly events and irresistible drink specials. On Mondays, recharge with Monday’s are a B#@%$! with complimentary hand and arm massages from the on-site Bliss Spa. Revel in Bollywood Tuesdays with vibrant Indian influences and customized henna designs, and on Wednesdays remix your week with The Studio where a local artist brings to life a work of art from start to finish. Vibe to the beat with Off The Wall Thursdays where you hand-pick the record of your choice, and hangout with Heat Wave Fridays featuring complimentary Cuban cigars, live DJ and rum specials. On the weekends, be bold with the 80’s- themed Neon Nights on Saturdays with sparkling Veuve Cliquot bottles, or sit back and relax with Saxxxy Sundays, pumping out soothing jazz and wine bottle specials, while you toast to an unforgettable Florida getaway on the outdoor Living Room Terrace.
A Hint of Bliss
Bliss Spa offers an array of massage and body treatments, facials and wraps in the serenity of its day spa retreat. The professional staff welcomes guests to de-stress and indulge in restoring body and spirit to recapture your energy and maximize your bliss. Unwind with a Ginger Rub, Hangover Herbie, Betweeny Wax or Triple Oxygen Facial Treatment, just a few of our favorites, all set against retro 1950s Floridian decor. Insider’s Tip: don’t skip out on the complimentary brownie bar, your sweet tooth with thank you!
Tempt Your Palate
Dining at any of the hotel’s restaurants and bars is another invitation to bliss. The culinary oversight of Stephen Starr, named the James Beard Awards’ Outstanding Restaurateur in 2017, presents impressive menus for both casual and sophisticated dining experiences. The new, open-room Sushi Bar with stylish rose-gold bar stools features an impressive menu conceptualized by the renowned Chef Shuji Hiyakawa, a protégé of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Those seeking a more upscale experience will have their taste buds overwhelmed with satisfaction at Steak 954, the hotel’s flagship restaurant which serves up both delicious cuisine and an awe-inspiring atmosphere.
In true W style, the entrance to Steak 954 doesn’t disappoint with what looks like a fun and intricate black and white wall paper – but upon a closer look, you’ll notice that the oversized mural is a one-of-a-kind, hand-drawn Sharpie masterpiece worthy of a few pre-dinner selfies. Past the entrance hallway, the wow factors continue inside with a seductive and mesmerizing 15-foot long iridescent jellyfish aquarium with more than 175 jellyfish. The restaurant’s interior is complemented by the tropical and lush seating on the outdoor terrace, which welcomes diners with calming breezes and soft sounds of the nearby surf.
Though the unique ambiance is attractive to onlookers, what keeps locals and travelers coming back time and time again is its award-winning selection of steaks and chops, creative appetizers and sides, plus extraordinary desserts. Lauded by critics and consumers since opening in 2009, Steak 954 has been home to dozens of heralded classics, including its Big Eye Tuna Tacos, Lobster & Crab Coconut Ceviche, 40 day dry-aged NY strip, Branzino, Colorado Lamb Chops and color-popping Baked Alaska. Do yourself a favor and book the late flight out on Sunday since the brunch at Steak 954 is not to be missed. The house-made pop tarts, along with a wide selection of omelets, benedicts, pancakes and raw bar are all guaranteed to please both the eye and palate.
Luxe and chic with a dash of edge, there isn’t a more glamorous getaway than the W Fort Lauderdale!
