FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Spa (http://www.pier66.com/) has come a long way since its original days as a small waterfront motel catering to the upscale yachting crowd. Fifty years later, this Fort Lauderdale landmark complete with a 127-slip mega-yacht marina, is a stunning 22-acre vacation paradise fresh from a $30 million transformation and belongs to the impressive collection of LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels. The comprehensive redesign encompassed guestrooms and suites, indoor and outdoor public space, food and beverage outlets, extensive meeting facilities, and entertainment venues.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071115/CLTH027 )

"We have achieved a spectacular transformation while respecting the integrity of Pier Sixty-Six, a property that has long stood as an iconic year- round destination," said Shawn Farrell, resort manager. "We are proud to be able to offer our guests a new option for affordable luxury accommodations in South Florida."

Spearheaded by Design Continuum, the Atlanta-based firm known for its stylish redesigns of top hotels worldwide, the new guestroom décor offers a sense of simple tranquility, with clean lines and a luxurious retro-modern design highlighted by a soothing neutral color palette accented with natural wood, glass and stone. Each guestroom, including the 100 refitted Deluxe Lanai guestrooms, is now equipped with high-speed Internet access and 32" flat- screen televisions, and offer guests terrific garden or marina views from a spacious balcony or patio.

The newly redesigned resort, located just a short walk from famed Fort Lauderdale Beach and accessible to renowned boutique- and art gallery-lined Las Olas Boulevard by scenic water taxi, welcomes guests with a novel look the moment they arrive. The original lobby has been opened up to take advantage of the property's gorgeous tropical views, and features a casual yet upscale and modern living room ambiance complete with comfortable custom-designed, retro- curved chairs, sofas and chaise lounges. A sleek new bar, featuring mother-of- pearl shell tile, has been raised just high enough off the lobby to offer views of the lushly-landscaped pool and courtyard.

The resort's waterfront setting is reflected in the designer's choice of beach-like finishes, sandy shades and oceanfront blues and greens. Rich dark woods contrast perfectly with the lighter travertine marble used throughout the hotel, as does the frosted glass offset by wood frames. The addition of glass rails and the elimination of lower walls create a more spacious feel throughout, and entice guests to enjoy their surroundings from the lobby lounge to the resort's spectacular courtyard.

Regarded as one of the premier meetings and events resorts in the city, Pier Sixty-Six boasts a distinctive reputation for elegant surroundings and exceptional service, and new enhancements are only building upon the notable status. In total, the resort boasts 25,000 square-feet of meeting space, including the newly refurbished Crystal Ballroom that can accommodate up to 900 guests. Upgraded lighting systems, a contemporary colorful design, and custom fabrics and mill work add an air of sophistication to the ballroom and the enhanced pre-function space. Additionally, Pier Top, long known as a nighttime hot spot, has been redesigned and reopened as the area's premier special occasion venue, available exclusively for private events. Renowned for its one-of-a-kind panoramic views of Fort Lauderdale, the 3,000 sq. ft. Pier Top features interior enhancements characterized by simplicity of design that complement the views, chrome railings that are gestures to the yachts docked below, and a meticulously laid Terrazzo floor, with in-laid glass pieces reflecting the sunset from shades of blue to amber.

Also part of the thorough enhancements, a lush redesigned lanai courtyard, anchored by the resort's spectacular three-pool waterfall oasis with new private, deluxe cabanas, can be used for anything from sunset cocktail parties to sunrise yoga classes. Two additional new outdoor decks can accommodate up to 200 people each for outdoor parties and events.

Says Design Continuum's Holly Kappes: "The idea was to keep the new look fresh, clean and modern, with a nod to the resort's original décor but without losing the hotel's sense of place and history."

A South Florida landmark for nearly five decades, the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Spa enchants guests with its dazzling water views, stellar service, wide variety of facilities and amenities - and now its impressive $30 million enhancement. A 22-acre vacation paradise, the resort is home to Spa 66, a European health and beauty spa; a full-service 127-slip marina; and the famed Pier Top, the area's premier special occasion venue. The three-pool, waterfall oasis sits gracefully adjacent to the 17-story tower and charming garden Lanai, which features 384 luxurious guestrooms and suites. Guests can take advantage of 25,000 square feet of meeting space and a variety of dining, entertainment and recreational options, including nearby championship golf, yachting and water sports. The Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six is convenient to the downtown business center, walking distance to the convention center and just 10 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. For more information or reservations, travelers should contact their travel planner, call (800) 55-HYATT or visit http://www.pier66.com/.

LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels is a portfolio of independent properties dedicated to creating an experience of luxury, a sense of ease and endless pleasure and is distinguished by a style and spirit that captures the unique qualities of their setting. LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels are located throughout the United States and the Caribbean. The LXR collection also includes the renowned Golden Door Spa brand and its four spas in the U.S. LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels can be found at http://www.luxuryresorts.com/.

CONTACT: Catie Woods, +1-305-351-5531, CWoods@LuxuryResorts.com, or Anne
Hersley-Hankins, +1-561-447-3370, AHersley@LuxuryResorts.com, both for LXR
Luxury Resorts & Hotels

Web site: http://www.luxuryresorts.com/
http://www.pier66.com/