Home REVIEWS Ritz Carlton brings luxury to Ft. Lauderdale
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Ritz Carlton brings luxury to Ft. Lauderdale PDF Print E-mail
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale opened in August 2008 as the Gold Coast’s newest and only luxury oceanfront hotel. Located on Fort Lauderdale’s pristine beachfront promenade, the 192-room hotel and lavish private residences is the most elegant and sophisticated in Broward County. The resort holds a Four-Star Mobil Travel Guide rating and was named a “Top New Hotel” on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008 “Hot List.”

The shimmering white curvilinear building, designed by famed Miami-based architectural firm Arquitectonica, is distinguished by 24 dramatically tiered, glass-walled stories rising behind a 29,000-square-foot tropical pool deck space with a zero-entry pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel’s grand interiors and exterior recall those of a luxury liner with undulating curves that mimic ocean waves woven throughout and sweeping water views from all vantage points.

The sensuous Hirsch-Bedner designed interiors transport guests back to the glamorous age of travel by utilizing design elements from the 1940’s including playful murals inspired by the work of French artist Jean Cocteau, oversized crystal domed chandeliers, luxurious finishes and high-quality materials. The sun-bathed lobby and public areas sparkle with the vein-matched white and charcoal Carrara, Italy marble floors. Iridescent mother of pearl and mahogany reception and concierge desks, light oak walls, yacht-like leather banquets, coral and shell accents, and abundant art create an awe-inspiring arrival.

Cero, the stylized restaurant, and signature Lobby Bar both provide panoramic ocean views., with Cero serving innovatively-prepared cuisine crafted with fresh, local and organic ingredients. Cero is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, and is available for groups and private parties. Adjacent to the main dining room is a private dining room that can be reserved for intimate parties of eight.

Across the lobby from Cero, guests approach the Lobby Bar through an elegant steel gate fronting a commanding centerpiece mural of a seascape with the mythical figure King Neptune anchoring the bar. The 13’ high mural was painted by Canadian artist C. Perreault and inspired by the 1880 painting, “King Neptune and His Horses.” Concave silver leaf wave structures float across the soaring ceiling, over a chestnut and butterscotch onyx bar which is illuminated at night. Soft leather seating makes the bar particularly inviting.

The Wine Room is separated from the bar with translucent glass. In this regal, seductive room, guests enjoy fine wines from the 5,000 bottle collection, an extensive by-the-glass list, a rare Scotch collection and light meals paired for maximum compatibility. The Wine Room’s separate cellar area also can be reserved for a distinctive private dining experience.

Three hand-strung tear-drop crystal chandeliers hang over the onyx bar and dazzle upon entering. Oenophiles will love the wine books lining the shelves and the comfort of the leather furnishings while they enjoy drinks in the Wine Room.

ACCOMMODATIONS
All 192 spacious guestrooms and suites provide sweeping, unimpeded views of the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway. Hirsch Bedner Associates designed the cream, beige and yellow accented rooms to evoke a golden age era of vintage yachting and luxury travel. The rooms’ mahogany cases, leather wrapped furniture and stone and crystal accents are enhanced and softened by gently limed oak wood floors, a graceful fabric-draped headboard and a sumptuous duvet. Hand-selected black and white family photo vignettes from 1940’s Fort Lauderdale lend a nostalgic air to the rooms.

Each guest room and suite is equipped with easy-to-use one-touch technology phones that feature useful hotel services, as well as in-depth information about area attractions. Guest rooms also have WiFi Internet access, state-of-the-art DVD theater entertainment system with a 32" LCD panel TV encased in a custom mahogany armoire, a 13" LCD panel TV in each bathroom, classic Pratesi linens, Bulgari bath amenities, a refrigerated mini-cellar of refreshments and much more.

MEETING AND BANQUET FACILITIES
With more than 24,000 square feet of first-class meeting space, the largest and only ocean-front ballroom in Fort Lauderdale, and signature details such as white leather wall covering, lavish crystal chandeliers, Vera Wang Golden Grosgrain China by Wedgwood, leather banquet chairs, and plush carpeting, meetings and events at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale exemplifies grace, style and sophistication. With its “best in class” personalized service, The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale offers the ultimate services for any memorable event.

Designed to accommodate groups of up to 450 guests, the Grand Ballroom pre-function space features floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking, unobstructed ocean views. The resort’s Astor Ballroom and Astor Terrace, which accommodate 180 and 280 guests respectively, offer petite alternatives to the 8,500 square-foot Grand Ballroom. For intimate social gatherings and high-powered business meetings, The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale offers an 18-seat, oceanfront, Executive Boardroom. All meeting spaces are equipped with the latest in wireless technology and services.

RECREATION
Dramatically situated to overlook the Atlantic Ocean, the seventh floor tropical pool deck is a 29,000 square-foot showplace with an infinity pool, relaxation deck and 60-seat bar and grill. Located just below the pool deck are ten cabanas equipped with WiFi access, flat screen televisions and waiter service that can be reserved daily. A skywalk connects the pool deck to the beach, allowing guests seamless access to the beach without having to exit the hotel through the lobby or cross the street.

SPA & FITNESS CENTER
A full-service 8,500-square-foot spa features 11 treatment rooms, including a private couple’s treatment suite. The spa services marry several exotic therapies, botanicals, and lifestyle philosophies from across the globe and utilize premium product lines. In addition, the spa complex features private massage areas.

and Jacuzzis on the tropical pool deck, a sun-drenched 8,000 sq. ft. modern fitness center with an exceptional collection of Technogym cardiovascular and strength equipment, yoga, spinning and aerobics studios, and a spa boutique.

About The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale
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. Design elements recall the 1940’s, with artwork that includes playful murals inspired by French artist Jean Cocteau and a 13-foot high mural of a seascape inspired by the 1880 painting, “King Neptune and His Horses.” The property features 192 guest rooms and suites; 24,000 square feet of light-filled meeting space; a raised 29,000 square foot tropical sundeck with an infinity pool and private cabanas and destination Spa with an 8,000 square foot, water view fitness center. Four dining and entertainment options include Cero, the three-meal-a-day restaurant with seating indoors or al fresco on an ocean-view patio, a picturesque oceanfront Lobby Bar, a dramatic Wine Room with a 5,000 bottle wine cellar and rare Scotch collection, and a seventh floor Pool Bar with commanding ocean views. The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is located at One North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. For reservations, please phone 954.465.2300, toll-free: 800-241-3333 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.

 
 
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