Will Speros

The W Fort Lauderdale has debuted the first phase of its $55 million redesign, which includes a grand porte-cochère, rooftop WET deck pool, meeting spaces, and 517 guestrooms, suites, and residences. Led by New York-based Meyer Davis Studio in conjunction with W’s in-house design team, the renovation’s final phase will be revealed this fall with a new ballroom and oceanfront eatery. The design will reflect the shimmering energy of Fort Lauderdale Beach with nautical elements installed along with metallic details.

The W’s signature Living Room on the hotel’s fourth floor also received a facelift along with the outdoor terrace, welcome desk, and Bliss Spa. Hues of blue and white span the fourth floor, reflecting natural light, while new floating welcome desks complement the reception area’s graphic backdrop. Also installed on the fourth floor is the new sushi bar.

Accommodations and residences boast new flooring, furniture, light fixtures, and contemporary accents accompanied by a relaxing palette of ocean blues and touches of rose gold. The WET East pool is appointed with sleek lounge chairs, daybeds, and a poolside bar perched atop a black and white, Art Deco-style tiled pooldeck.

Final touches will include the new 4,000-square-foot ballroom, which will expand the property’s meeting space to 40,000 square feet with 16 indoor and outdoor function areas.