This past week, the W Fort Lauderdale unveiled its newly redesigned property at a cocktail reception with mermaids, musical performances, and a fashion show! All of the rooms and many of the public spaces within the hotel were renovated as a result of the hotel’s $55 million dollar update. With different DJ’s in every corner, baristas serving drinks in the hotel elevators, and painted models blending into the rooms, the entire evening served as a jubilant toast to the hotel’s success.
The unveiling started with margaritas and models in the lobby. The models were dressed to reflect the nautical theme of the evening: ocean-inspired makeup, body paint, and capes that rippled like waves.
On the fifth floor, the pool deck was decorated with multicolored lights to accentuate the patterned floors while a mermaid posed for pictures and waved at guests from the water. A DJ played music next to the open bar as guests trickled in and settled themselves on the all-new outdoor seating areas.
After drinks and a mix of delicious Japanese and Mexican hors d’oeuvres were served, we were treated to a live concert! Breakout merengue and salsa singer-songwriter Sabrina Claudio and her band performed on the stage in front of the pool.
Once their incredible performance was over, guests returned indoors for more drinks accompanied by a different DJ and a display of innovative and contemporary art pieces.
Everyone gathered by a set of stairs for a fashion show showcasing designer Susanne Bartsch’s work by models in drag. She unveiled her pop-up fashion display of curated looks sprawled throughout the hotel for guests to enjoy.
Each model posed on the stairs before stepping down to the main floor and joining the crowd. The last model was Susanne Bartsch herself, dressed in her own couture. After descending the stairs, she and her models mingled with guests and happily posed for pictures.
Several of the newly refurbished rooms were open for guests to see and explore. To get there, we went through a hallway with a waterfall running down its walls that led to yet another DJ. After being served drinks in the elevator, we visited the rooms where models posed who were painted to blend in with the décor and a mermaid lounged in a bathtub. These were such fun and creative surprises!
The new design of the guest rooms and suites is completely contemporary with different shades of blue and grey with metallic accents. We admired the nighttime view of Fort Lauderdale from the balcony before calling it a night – and what a memorable night it was!
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Keating | MainelyKeating.com
March 14, 2018 at 9:20 pmThis looks like so much fun!! My dad worked for Marriott for years and I always loved attending grand openings. This one is definitely a bit more over the top than the ones I’ve attended in the past, but I was also much younger (under 21) so I’m sure I wouldn’t have been invited to ones like this haha
Carmen Edelson
March 16, 2018 at 2:59 pmHow fun for you! Marriott is also a great brand.
Michele Renee
March 14, 2018 at 9:31 pmThis sounds like it was an amazing hotel unveiling. I really loved how vibrant it seemed through the photos. I bet the mermaid model had tons of fun playing a mermaid in a tub. I wish that I could go to a festive hotel opening like that!
Carmen Edelson
March 16, 2018 at 2:59 pmI know, they really went all out! I was so impressed.
Natalie
March 14, 2018 at 10:53 pmWow! This is so artistic and unique! Love it.
Carmen Edelson
March 16, 2018 at 3:00 pmI think so too 🙂
Kanishka Acharya
March 15, 2018 at 12:38 amI love how they camouflaged models into the rooms. This event seemed like a success. The mermaid in the pool was so beautiful.
Carmen Edelson
March 16, 2018 at 3:00 pmYes, she was! I liked the one in the room too 🙂
Elizabeth O
March 15, 2018 at 11:57 amThis looks like such a fun opening. The mermaids look so real and the hotel looks so stylish and up market!
Carmen Edelson
March 16, 2018 at 3:02 pmIt was so fun, and very upscale.
Joscelyn
March 15, 2018 at 1:29 pmWow, what a beautiful hotel! Looks like such a fun event!
Carmen Edelson
March 16, 2018 at 3:02 pmWe enjoyed every minute of it 🙂
adriana
March 15, 2018 at 10:11 pmThis place looks SO amazing! What a fun opening they had!
Carmen Edelson
March 16, 2018 at 3:04 pmThey really pulled out all the stops for this unveiling!
sarah camille
March 15, 2018 at 11:10 pmThis looks like such a fun time! I went to a party with a mermaid like that and it was SO entertaining to watch!! 🙂
Carmen Edelson
March 16, 2018 at 3:05 pmIt was very entertaining and my first time to encounter a mermaid 😉
Donyell
March 16, 2018 at 9:57 pmI love how they dressed the models. Very artistic way to showcase the rooms!!
xx, Donnie
http://www.adoredonnie.com
Carmen Edelson
March 19, 2018 at 7:27 pmYes, I think so too!