Today’s Fort Lauderdale is not the one you or your older relatives experienced in college; while beachfront surf shops along Fort Lauderdale Boulevard recall that colorful Spring Break era, Las Olas Boulevard embodies the city’s recent glow-up, particularly after the pandemic. In fact, it was spring 2020 when Hyatt Centric Las Olas opened its doors and played a major role in reshaping and rethinking Fort Lauderdale as a relaxed but lively vacation or business destination.

© Elyse Glickman

The 238-room property was the first hotel built in 70 years on Las Olas Boulevard. The hotel is a destination in its own right.

While there are many leisure guests, including those starting or finishing their cruise vacation with a stopover, the hotel also has traction as a business and conference destination with 15,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, a superb restaurant and other features adding “bleisurely” depth. ELEV8 rooftop bar is a breezy and chic spot for daytime relaxation or a classy cocktail reception thanks to ocean-inspired murals by local artist Danny Doya, panoramic city views and creative craft cocktails.

© Hyatt Centric Las Olas

A 24-hour fitness center is outfitted with Peloton cycling equipment, and street bikes are available to guests free of charge. A house Tesla is available to drop guests off within a 2-mile radius of the hotel.

© Hyatt Centric Las Olas

Guestrooms and suites equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows peering out to views of downtown Fort Lauderdale and the riverfront continue the nautical theme with a beach-inspired color palette of soft blues, greys and dusky pinks. There’s also an accent wall graphic evoking sailors’ knots etched in pencil, fragrant BeeKind bath products and spacious storage. Hotel management put one room with no windows to good use by repurposing it as NINE01, a hidden speakeasy that garnered such huge word-of-mouth that random locals you meet during your stay will implore you to make a reservation.

While classic cocktails prepared by Lucas Derkatch hit the right notes, the talented bartender has a few tricks up his sleeve with original brown spirits cocktails like Hot Like Hansel,  Smoke & Mirrors, and Biscotti Old Fashioned.

© Elyse Glickman

Even with several high-end chain and independent restaurants a few steps from Hyatt Centric Las Olas’ front door, there are many reasons why Harborwood Urban Kitchen and Bar has also become a favorite among full-time residents of the 113-condo wing and others living and working around the area. Executive Chef Greg McGowan’s eclectic mix of dishes, along with a fresh cocktail and zero-proof bar menu, dovetail into the city’s multinational character. At breakfast and lunch, the kitchen accommodates vegetarians (think quinoa and roasted sweet potatoes) and guests craving a little more spice (like ropa vieja with poached eggs or shakshuka) with flair. Dinner appetizers and main courses are prepared with care and creativity and can easily stand up to some of the restaurants along the main retail stretch of Las Olas Boulevard.

Hyatt Centric Las Olas

100 E. Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
tel 954 353 1234