I heard Ritz-Carlton.

Blackstone already submitted plans to turn Bahia Mar into Waldorf=Astoria. Conrad is an interesting thought. Maybe taking over an existing property would be easier though.

I can't imagine how unhappy unit owners are now at the former St. Regis.

Interesting Tony!

I also wonder how the residences owners are taking this turn of events.. I wonder how many bought there because it was to be a St Regis, and now that it wont be - are left stranded..

It's a beautiful property in a great location. Doubtful anyone will feel stranded.

Anyone who owns in that building and feels trapped because the St Regis name is going... probably feels doubly trapped that they believed it when someone told them it was a good idea to move to Las Olas Beach. Can we say trash heap heaven?

And good on St Regis for wanting to the the eff out of dodge! Fort Lauderdale is an unfun place!

Fort Lauderdale is "unfun" and a "trash heap?" That's gratuitously nasty.  I'll agree that there is still room for improvement, but it's definitely on the way up.  As for a brand, I never thought the St. Regis moniker was a good fit for a beach hotel anyway.  The Bahia Mar is becoming a Waldorf=Astoria?  They'd have to blow it up first....  As for what brand will replace SR, I have heard rumblings about Ritz-Carlton, but this is an equally questionable brand for the beach.  Let's not forget, however, that RC has done well in other So. Fla. locations.  More than anything, the St. Regis in Fort Lauderdale is hopelessly overpriced and doesn't have the right vibe for the beach.  The sleazy beach bars and other remaining detritus from the Spring Break years are being cleared away and will soon be a distant memory.  The big question is who will fill these expensive hotel rooms?  Far too many have been built all at once- just in time for the economic downturn.  We'll see.