The old Holiday Inn on Ft. Lauderdale Beach closed a few years ago and renovations began to re-brand and give it a nice face-lift.  This was back in 2007 I think and we all know what happen back then.  Yeah...that nasty recession.  It looked like all of the rooms were gutted...but the project stalled.  Fast-forward to 2010.  Just a few months ago, I noticed some work beginning again.  The location is right on the corner of A1A and Sunrise, which is a GREAT spot.  Close to Galleria Mall, right on the beach (well across A1A).  The actual address is 999 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd (A1A).

It looks like the new property will be branded as a "B Hotel & Resort".  The company says it's hotels are a 'New Lifestyle Hotel Brand' and that this location in Ft. Lauderdale will be it's 'flagship' property called B Ocean Fort Lauderdale.



The property will have 240 rooms, free WiFi internet access, 8,000 square feet of meeting space and some unique dining options including SA1A (a signature sushi restaurant), B'stro and of course room service.  The descriptions seem to almost feel like they are going for the same crowd as the W Hotel brand.  Either way...this should be a welcomed addition to Ft. Lauderdale Beach.  They will also have a fitness center and swimming pool on property.


(Possible room 'look' / decor of B Ocean Fort Lauderdale...from Hotelplanner.com)


(Artist rendering of B Ocean Fort Lauderdale lobby)

They are planning to open in December 2010, with a Grand Opening in the beginning of 2011.  It's pretty exciting since Ft. Lauderdale hasn't had a new hotel open in about a year.  Now if they could only do something with that unfinished Trump hotel mess.

Check out their website:
B Hotels and Resorts
or
B Ocean Fort Lauderdale