Pier Sixty-Six Hotel and Marina

HKS breathes new life into Fort Lauderdale’s iconic Pier Sixty-Six Hotel and Marina, masterfully merging its historic charm with a contemporary maritime-inspired design that celebrates both luxury and the breathtaking waterfront landscape.

Firm
  • area / size 306,800 sqft
  • Year 2025
  • Type Hotel,
  • Nestled along Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway, Pier Sixty-Six has long been a beacon of style and sophistication. Since its debut in the 1950s, this iconic property has captivated visitors with its daring architecture, inspired by the visionary Frank Lloyd Wright, and sweeping, cinematic views of the Atlantic Ocean and downtown skyline. Once famed for its revolving rooftop restaurant, vibrant marina, and mid-century glamour, the 17-story tower symbolized innovation and luxury. But the passage of time—and the ferocity of storms like Hurricane Irma in 2017—left this jewel weathered and in need of revival.

    Today, Pier Sixty-Six rises again, not just restored but reimagined, offering a bold new chapter in its storied history. A masterful transformation is underway, with the historic tower carefully preserved and a new seven-story, 200-room guest tower rising alongside it. A redesigned podium, lush multi-tiered pool deck, and an inspired arrival sequence enhance every moment of this breathtaking retreat.

    The experience begins the moment guests arrive, weaving their way down a gracefully curving, tree-lined drive. Towering palms and a majestic 100-year-old banyan tree—an enduring sentinel of the property—frame the path. This dramatic approach replaces the former congested entry, cultivating a sense of unfolding wonder. As the drive ascends, the view reveals the cresting wave of a glass canopy, an architectural masterpiece that signals arrival while framing elevated vistas of the waterway and skyline.

    Inside and out, Pier Sixty-Six celebrates the artistry of nautical design. The guest tower’s balconies arc outward in elegant curves, evoking the sleek decks of luxury yachts, while expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite the light and landscape to pour in. Shaded terraces provide serene vantage points for gazing at the ocean or cityscape, and every material has been chosen to echo the spirit of the sea. Whitewashed plaster and smooth wood planks evoke the interiors of a ship, while stainless steel and glimmering glass catch the interplay of sunlight on water.

    The podium is crowned by a rooftop captain’s lounge, its design an homage to the original tower’s iconic revolving crown. Perched like the flybridge of a mega yacht, it offers a sophisticated space for guests to savor panoramic views. The new seven-story guest tower rises with a profile that tapers like a hull slicing through the waves, its design an unmistakable nod to the maritime heritage of its surroundings.

    Descending from the hotel to the marina, the pool deck unfolds in a series of terraces, each offering a distinct atmosphere. At the uppermost level, a vibrant social hub invites guests to mingle in club lounges or relax on carved-out terraces overlooking the waterway and skyline. The middle tier becomes a haven of exclusivity—a VIP enclave where cascading waterfalls, private plunge pools, and lush tropical landscapes create an intimate, luxurious retreat. The family-friendly tier by the marina transforms into a playful paradise, featuring a beach-entry pool, thrilling slides, shaded cabanas, and a dining area nestled in a secret grotto.

    For those seeking unforgettable event venues, Pier Sixty-Six delivers with flair. Three exquisite spaces are thoughtfully designed, blending cutting-edge technology with spectacular views. A standout feature is the glass-walled ballroom, which opens onto a rooftop lawn, allowing fresh breezes and natural beauty to enhance any gathering. Sun-drenched pre-function spaces and versatile meeting rooms cater to events ranging from grand celebrations to private breakout sessions.

    Pier Sixty-Six’s rebirth is nothing short of reimagining an icon. By honoring its historic roots while embracing modern innovation, the property achieves a balance of timeless elegance and contemporary allure. With its maritime-inspired design, luxurious amenities, and unrivaled waterfront setting, Pier Sixty-Six once again stands as a crown jewel of Fort Lauderdale—a place where past and future converge in a celebration of beauty, style, and the enduring magic of the sea.

    Design: HKS, Daroff Design Inc. + DDI Architects, Garcia Stromberg
    General Contractor: John Moriarty & Associates and Americaribe
    Interior Design: Jeffrey Beers International (JBI)
    Lighting: EXP
    Photography: Mauricio Rojas