When life gives you flight delays, you can either A. complain, or B. make lemonade.
Last week, winter weather stranded me in South Florida for several extra days. With hotels mostly booked, I managed to find a room at the Omni Fort Lauderdale, which opened in December 2025.
After I walked through the doors of the Omni, I was no longer upset about being stuck in Florida. The property floored me. My partner and I decided not to venture outside the resort, wanting instead to explore as much as possible during our two-night stay.
So, the verdict? If you’re looking for a hotel in South Florida, here’s why the newly opened Omni Fort Lauderdale should be on your list.
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel Review
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel: Location (And Why It Matters)
No matter if you’re traveling for business, leisure, or a cruise, the Omni Fort Lauderdale is in the ideal location.
It is attached to the Broward County Convention Center, next to the Port Everglades Cruise Terminal. If you get a room facing the Intracoastal Waterway, you’ll enjoy incredible views of cruise ships.
The hotel is less than 5 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), sits on the Intracoastal Waterway, and is minutes from beaches and the lively Las Olas neighborhood. I’ve stayed at many hotels in Fort Lauderdale over the years, but the location of the Omni Fort Lauderdale is truly unbeatable.
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel: Arrival and Lobby Experience
The Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel is located right beside the Port Everglades Cruise Terminal. Because the hotel is so new, my Uber driver was briefly confused. If you’re heading there, let your driver know the entrance is just before the cruise terminal checkpoint.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by some of the friendliest bellhops and valets one could ask for. The lobby is grand, beautiful, and I knew right away that I was in for a luxury experience.
My first impression? I loved the hotel’s décor — it felt very coastal, nautical, and 100% South Florida. Their team did a really fantastic job capturing the essence of the area, and I also loved the thoughtful touches throughout the lobby: large tables with outlets for working, plenty of seating, and easy access to the Broward County Convention Center.
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel: Rooms & Suites
Due to flight cancellations, we initially booked the only available room type: the Deluxe Room with 2 Queen Beds. At check-in, we were pleasantly surprised to be upgraded by the front desk to a Premier Room with 2 Queen Beds, located on floors 18 and above and featuring additional square footage.
The Omni team definitely paid attention to the little details: there were plenty of outlets, the outlets next to the bed were USB-C compatible, and the bathroom light automatically turned on when you opened the door. I really enjoyed these small touches and found them incredibly thoughtful! All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows.
If you’re looking for an even more luxurious stay, there are higher-tier Premier rooms available, a limited number of rooms with balcony access, and some suite options.
Overall, the room was incredibly comfortable and quiet, despite the hotel being almost sold out during our stay.
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel: Dining and Bars
The Omni Fort Lauderdale features five dining options, including standout fresh fish at Reef 76 and rooftop views at Ibis Sky Lounge.
Some items at Leeward Market were pricey for the portion size, but the coffee and guava pastelitos were excellent. Having great food options right at the hotel was a big plus.
Here is a breakdown of all of the dining concepts available at the Omni Fort Lauderdale:
- Reef 76 Kitchen & Bar: I didn’t get to try many dishes, but I was really impressed with the fresh fish I ordered for dinner. They had a Florida Grouper on the menu when I dined here, which was caught locally, and it was divine. On my next visit, I’d love to check out breakfast here.
- Hidden Key: If you love a good lobby bar, you’ll likely want to settle in at Hidden Key. The indoor/outdoor space is striking, with ample seating and delicious light bites. If you’re an Omni Select Guest Member, you’ll receive a complimentary drink voucher at check-in. Don’t miss the crispy bao buns — you won’t regret it!
- Fair Ketch: A well-designed sports bar with generous seating, foosball tables, and a Topgolf Swing Suite available to book. Definitely the spot you want to be for gameday.
- Tide Coastal Kitchen: I didn’t dine at the restaurant, but I did order drinks and snacks at the pool (the Omni’s pool is full-service). This restaurant is located on the pool deck and offers incredible views of the cruise port.
- Ibis Sky Lounge: This was probably my favorite concept of them all: at Ibis Sky Lounge, you can soak in panoramic rooftop views and enjoy delicious cocktails and tapas. There is a dress code here, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately.
- Leeward Market: Need a quick breakfast or a meal on the go? Leeward Market is your best bet. This is located in the hotel lobby.
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel: Amenities and Special Features
- Pool: The Omni Fort Lauderdale has a pool deck on the 10th floor with incredible city and Intracoastal views. Despite the hotel being nearly sold out when we visited, the pool area wasn’t overcrowded (though as a newer property, this could change in the future). There is a full-service restaurant, Tide Coastal Kitchen, on the pool deck, and servers attend to guests throughout the day.
If you’re not staying at the hotel, you can purchase a day pass to the pool, and both hotel guests and visitors can book a cabana for the day. - Mokara Spa: I did not get to book a spa treatment during my stay, but the property has a full-service spa. Guests can enjoy a variety of spa services or book a day pass to The Ritual Pavilion, which features heated loungers, a steam room, a sauna, and more.
- Fitness Center: Open 24 hours.
- Connection to the Broward County Convention Center
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel: Service and Vibe
What stood out to me at the Omni was the service. From the minute I walked in, I felt welcome. The front desk and bellhop teams were incredibly friendly and went above and beyond. The servers at each dining concept were also wonderful.
The overall atmosphere was luxe and elevated, and I would say this is a fantastic hotel for couples and girls’ getaways.
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel: Final Verdict
The Omni Fort Lauderdale is an absolute force. From the modern design and central location to the number of dining options and amenities, it is undoubtedly one of the best new properties I’ve had the opportunity to stay in.
Our stay was nearly flawless: we encountered only one minor billing issue, which was resolved quickly by their team. I find myself in Fort Lauderdale often, and I will absolutely be booking the Omni Fort Lauderdale for future stays.
In my opinion, this hotel is ideal for cruise ship travelers due to its proximity to Port Everglades, business travelers attending events at the Broward County Convention Center, couples, girls’ groups, and lovers of luxury travel.
What To Know Before Booking
Peak times to visit Fort Lauderdale are right after Christmas to Memorial Day (Late May). Consider staying during the shoulder season (May-August or November-December) for better deals.
Book direct for the best rates.
Check-In: 4 PM
Check-Out: 11 AM
Photos by Tom McGovern (unless noted otherwise!)
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