Hotel openings are a core part of our work at RHC, and each one looks different. Some are small and design-driven, others are destination-defining, and many involve complex development timelines that require just as much behind-the-scenes coordination as they do on opening day.

Recently, Omni Hotels & Resorts officially welcomed guests to the all-new Omni Fort Lauderdale, marking the brand’s return to the region after more than 20 years. The hotel now serves as the anchor of the expanded Broward County Convention Center District, designed to support major meetings and events while still functioning as a true waterfront hotel experience.

All good hotel designs are rooted in storytelling, and Omni Fort Lauderdale is no exception. The hotel is inspired by the story of the Barefoot Mailmen, 19th-century couriers who once traveled the state’s coastline on foot. The hotel’s architecture and interiors subtly trace a journey from land to water.

Food and beverage is treated as an essential part of the guest experience. Led by Executive Chef Cristian Mosquera, a Fort Lauderdale native, the hotel’s dining program reflects regional influences across multiple venues, including a rooftop sky lounge, waterfront lobby bar, signature restaurant, sports bar, and poolside coastal kitchen. Additional concepts, including a signature Italian chophouse, are planned for 2026, supporting the idea that this is a hotel guests can comfortably stay within, not just sleep at.

We marked the occasion in true RHC fashion – with a cover story. For HOTELS Magazine, Omni Hotels & Resorts’ President, Kurt Alexander, spoke to David Eisen about Omni’s development strategy.

Projects like Omni Fort Lauderdale operate at the intersection of hospitality and infrastructure. Beyond welcoming guests, the hotel supports the city’s broader economic and civic goals, with an estimated $450 million in economic impact and the creation of more than 3,000 jobs. For us, being part of work like this is about more than opening doors. Our favorite projects are those that contribute meaningfully to their communities, both on opening day and long after.

So the next time you’re in Fort Lauderdale, remember “RHC was here.”