Inside PROFILEmiami's Five Star Stay at The Residences at W Fort Lauderdale
W Fort Lauderdale Hotel & Residences
PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to stay at W Residences Fort Lauderdale, located directly on Fort Lauderdale's pristine beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. After a $60 million renovation overseen by Related Companies and Meyer Davis Studio, W Fort Lauderdale is one of the finest options on Fort Lauderdale's seaside A1A strip. The two-tower property features luxurious, nautical private condominium residences and hotel, all with direct ocean views. W Fort Lauderdale’s five-star amenities and services feature a high-end beach club, full-service pools, multiple restaurants and eateries, spa, fitness center, nightlife and full-service staff. Buyers at W Residences Fort Lauderdale are investing in the brand’s lifestyle offerings. They can enjoy the quality service, amenities and hospitality that W Hotels are internationally known for. Whether you are looking for a beachside weekend escape, full-time residence, part-time residence or rental-income property, W Residences Fort Lauderdale is a prime beachfront option.
Living Room, Bliss Spa, WET Deck, Service & Amenities
W Fort Lauderdale features a slew of five-star amenities and services that will help you expand your living experience and keep your mind relaxed. Living Room, W Fort Lauderdale’s main lounge is the perfect place to gather to meet friends for drinks or enjoy one of the events hosted nightly on property. Living Room features a bar with creative drinks and bites as well as a Sushi Bar. The inside showcases Meyer Davis’ nautical designs and the outside features a sweeping deck with views of the Atlantic Ocean and A1A.
There is no shortage of wellness amenities on the property whether it be the Bliss Spa, yoga classes, or fitness center, W Fort Lauderdale has it all. Bliss Spa will give you a relaxing, luxurious escape to kick back and let your worries escape you. We tried the deep tissue massage which was quite relaxing. The masseuse was professional and experienced in her craft. The staff throughout the spa was extremely professional and it was kept ultra-clean. Definitely worth stopping by for a massage, facial, nails, or any other treatment you could need.
You will quickly realize that there is just simply nowhere better to spend your days in Fort Lauderdale than in the sun. W Fort Lauderdale gives residents two pool options, the WET Deck, which is the main pool on the hotel side of the property, as well as a toned down version on the residences side which offers a slightly quieter, more relaxing experience. The main pool is an architectural masterpiece though, allowing you to walk-up from the lobby and emerge from the lower hotel onto the pool deck by walking through a unique staircase that flows through the pool. Poolside is buzzing with action complete with a DJ and full-service staff that will get you anything you need from the WET Deck Bites Menu or the bar. The entire deck overlooks A1A and the Atlantic Ocean, seamlessly blending your poolside experience with the beach to create an unparalleled experience.
Rooms & Residences
Designed by Meyer Davis, the private residences and hotel rooms at W Fort Lauderdale are some of the finest beachside turn-key options you will find. The property provides both luxurious hotel rooms, which are located in the east tower, as well as private residences, which are large suites located in the west tower. The condominium units can be occupied full-time or rented out as part of the Starwood-managed hotel program. All of the units feature ocean views. The units are spacious with furnishings curated by Meyer Davis to exude nautical vibes with sailing rope and knots, wood, gold, whites, blues, etc. which connect the building's style with the amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. Units also feature furnished balconies that feature views of the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Lauderdale skyline and Intracoastal Waterway.
The unit we experienced was a two-bedroom Residence suite on the south side of the building and it was stunning. The entryway opened into the living room and kitchen with an island. The living room had its own private balcony which was flanked by a dining room, also with its own private balcony. Each bedroom had an ensuite, as well as a private balcony. The unit was definitely large and luxurious to be used full-time. The excellent thing about owning a W Residence is that you have the Starwood Hotel Program at your fingertips. One of the highlights of the stay was definitely the views, which sweep from the Atlantic Ocean, over to the Intracoastal Waterway and Fort Lauderdale Skyline. This unique exposure allowed us to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset over water, a rare feature that is a gem to enjoy. Not only did the furnished balconies allow us to enjoy the southern exposure, but also the floor-to-ceiling glass which allows spectacular views from every room, including the kitchen. The floor-to-ceiling glass sliders seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. From the living room and bedrooms you can open the glass sliders all the way to bring the “balcony inside.”
Restaurants
Sushi Bar
Located in the Living Room, there is essentially no better spot to grab a quick bite or appetizer with the ultimate easy-come, easy-go set-up. The Sushi Bar is the brainchild of Sushi Chef Shuji Hiyakawa, a protégé of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. The highly skilled chefs will make whatever you want to order and with extremely fresh fish for bite-sized treats with explosive flavor. Try the nigiri or sashimi to order or go for the Tuna Tataki and Yellowtail Jalapeno or King Crab California and Steamed Lobster with creamy avocado.
Steak954
Steak 954 has the familiar dark, intimate interior of a steakhouse, complete with an illuminating wall that serves as a jellyfish tank. A light ocean breeze flows through the rooms as guests walk in and out onto the beachside terrace. The 7-year-old eatery is owned by famed restaurateur Stephen Starr and features prime cuts and American Wagyu. Steak 954 broils their beef at 1,700 degrees, which is then brushed with clarified butter. Despite the expert focus on beef, Steak 954 has lots of fish alternatives as well.
We dined on a Saturday night and were seated promptly at a candlelit table. Fresh gruyere cheese and chive popovers were brought out, still steaming. Our waiter guided us thoroughly through the menu and his service was polished and professional the entire night. For appetizers, we shared the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake ($19) and Lobster Bisque ($14). The crab cake was tender, not too fried, and was accompanied well by the apple slaw and tartar sauce. The lobster bisque was made with fresh creme fraiche and was smooth and creamy. For the main course, we had the Miso Black Cod ($39) and 22 oz. Prime Dry Aged Bone-In Ribeye ($57). The cod was an expert example of a perfectly poached, meaty piece of fish. It was served with maitake mushrooms and bok choy, swimming in a dashi broth. The ribeye was absolutely amazing, served with pickled onions and a side of béarnaise sauce. Cooked to perfection with tons of flavor, just like the name of the restaurant, if you are in the mood for steak, you will be impressed. For dessert, Steak 954 has had top pastry chef Sarah Magoon preparing her signature dishes like Key lime baked Alaska and ice cream sandwiches since opening its doors. We opted to try the ice cream sandwich trio. The sandwiches came sliced in half, easy for sharing. The brownie-mint stood out. Steak 954 was a great place to spend an evening out in Fort Lauderdale and will not disappoint no matter what your party chooses from the menu.