33304 Travel Guide
W Hotels
W Fort Lauderdale Opening in Early March, So They Say
December 2, 2008 at 2:40 PM | 3 Comments
The last bit of news we heard on the W Fort Lauderdale was that it would be opening in January 2009. But according to this article on the W Talent Show--otherwise known as a hiring fair--that the hotel is holding, doors won't be open to guests until early March.
W Fort Lauderdale will be the brand’s introduction to the Florida market. Located on Fort Lauderdale’s beach, the 517-room, 23-story, two-tower hotel will offer ocean, Intracoastal Waterway and downtown views. The hotel will include a Stephen Starr restaurant, a 4,000-square-foot Bliss Spa and its signature bar, Whiskey Blue.
That will be two new Ws for Fort Lauderdale South Florida this spring as the W South Beach is expected to open in late April. Meanwhile, the talent show is being held at the Galleria Mall from now through Saturday from 10am. to 7pm.
Now, there's just one thing that makes us a weeee bit concerned. The hotel's own website says it's opening March 1st but that reservations aren't being taken until June 1st. Oy. Hopefully, that's just a typo.
Ritz-Carlton Hotels
The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, Formerly the St. Regis, Now Open
August 15, 2008 at 3:19 PM | 0 Comments
As promised the one-year-old St. Regis Fort Lauderdale stopped operating on August 11th and a Ritz-Carlton has slid in and taken its place.
From the official press release:
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale opened August 11, 2008 as the Gold Coast's newest oceanfront luxury hotel and the 10th Florida hotel for the company named by The Luxury Institute as "The Most Prestigious Luxury Brand."
Envisioned by legendary architectural firm Arquitectonica and hospitality interior design leader Hirsch Bedner Associates, the 24-story, dramatically tiered and glass walled hotel has sweeping curves that are reminiscent of a grand luxury liner.
Pretty much everything else in the 192-room hotel has remained the same, minus the St. Regis branding everywhere. Even the Cero restaurant, the Wine Room and the spa are still intact. Only thing missing? The St. Regis butler service.
Rates are currently starting at $259 a night.
St. Regis Hotels
Photographic Evidence that St. Regis Fort Lauderdale, Soon to Be a Ritz, is Not On the Beach
July 23, 2008 at 11:13 AM | 1 Comment
Yesterday when we announced that the St. Regis Fort Lauderdale was to become a Ritz-Carlton on August 11th, one of the noted concerns was that the property was not actually located "on the sand" but rather across the street. And despite this, the Ritz would probably have higher prices than a sister Marriott property that is on the beach. Booo.
A few commenters wondered about the photograph that we used, saying the shot looks totally deceiving. So we had to dig up a better shot of the hotel to prove it was not on the beach.
Fort Lauderdale Hotels
St. Regis Fort Lauderdale Will Turn into a Ritz-Carlton
July 22, 2008 at 4:15 PM | 3 Comments
Snooze alert in effect for Fort Lauderdale: The troubled St. Regis Fort Lauderdale will stop operating under the St. Regis brand on August 11th and become a Ritz-Carlton. Great. Like as if we didn't already have enough Ritz-Carltons in South Florida. Oh, you think we are just exaggerating? Lookie here:
This would be its fourth South Florida property, with a fifth on the way. Ritz-Carlton already operates hotels in Key Biscayne, South Beach and Coconut Grove, and is building a luxury timeshare and condominium resort in Miami Beach. It also furthers Ritz-Carlton's big expansion push in Florida, where it operates nine resorts.
Another thing that sucks? The Ritz is going to want to charge more than its sister property, The Marriott Harbor Beach, which is actually located on the beach whereas this property is across the street. Booo....
St. Regis Hotels
Trouble In (St. Regis Fort Lauderdale) Paradise
July 16, 2008 at 9:45 AM | 6 Comments
Uh oh!
According to a recent article in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the St Regis Fort Lauderdale will no longer be a St Regis come August 11th! Yes, for those scratching your heads - this is the same St Regis that opened up to great fanfare just under 15 months ago in May of 2007.
What caused this mess? Well according to the Sun-Sentinel:
problems surfaced when there were major management changes at Starwood, creating a ripple effect at St. Regis.
Good Rate
Good Rate :: Value Deal at the New St. Regis Fort Lauderdale
July 10, 2007 at 11:41 AM | 0 Comments
[Ed. Note: Welcome to our Good Rate/Bad Rate feature where we look at hotel prices in the same city and decide which one most deserves your hard-earned benjamins. Rates quotes here were captured July 10, 2007 and are subject to change. Enjoy.]
Finding a St. Regis package deal that is more than just a bean counter's sum of its parts is a challenge, but we found one that is worth looking into. The new St. Regis in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is kicking things off with an oddly named "Taste of Luxury" package. What fine touches of luxury do you get with this package? Breakfast for two and the inclusion of taxes in the rates. Ooohhh pinch us - we can't believe we landed such VIP treatment!
Hotel Opening Rates St. Regis Hotels
Hotel Opening Rates: St. Regis Resort, Fort Lauderdale
May 3, 2007 at 10:07 AM | 0 Comments
It may be a little late for spring break, but the St. Regis Resort, Fort Lauderdale opened May 1. The hotel--which was to have 166 rooms--now has 183, some of which are oceanfront and some of which overlook the Intracoastal Waterway.
Since it's not exactly high season in Florida right now, the St. Regis has a bit of a deal going on for you early adopters: a free upgrade to the next room category, a luxe beauty product gift bag and a $50 food and beverage credit. We priced out some sample dates of May 18-21. For $619, we found an Intracoastal view suite--complete with private balcony. For $589, a king-size oceanfront room was up for grabs. If you are absolutely sure you are going to go, you can get the no-cancellations-allowed rate of $592 and $562.
Yes, these aren't high season prices.
Related Stories:
· St. Regis to Host Fort Lauderdale's Wildest Spring Break, like, Ever [HotelChatter]
· St. Regis Fort Lauderdale reviews [TripAdvisor]
Hotel Hell
Three Girls Get Creeped Out In Florida
November 10, 2005 at 12:40 PM | 0 Comments
Not only do we have no idea what a "coctail" is, but...
If you are going to vacation in Ft. Lauderdale, the Sea Club Resort seems like an uncomfortable place to do it--kinda like in the back of a Volkswagen at least according to this girl:
I felt that upon my return from Fort Lauderdale I had to post a review of this dumpy hotel. I realize that if you're on a budget, you have to stay at hotels that may not be up to par with other hotels; however, after staying at the Sea Club "Resort" I realize that I'm willing to spend the extra money!
The staff was atrocious! Not only were they completely unhelpful, they also were quite sketchy. I traveled here with two other young females and we all felt uncomfortable around them due to prolonged stares and unwelcomed comments.
Also, the clientele is very scary. I wanted to take a dip in the pool and came upon a couple who were doing something in the pool that should've been done in the privacy of their bedroom!
Related Stories:
· Sea Club Resort Reviews [TripAdvisor]
