Pier Top, a gently rotating spire-topped bar with panoramic views, first opened atop Fort Lauderdale’s Pier Sixty-Six original hotel in 1965. The lounge rivaled the glamor of resorts in Miami and drew comparisons to other icons dazzling in the sky, from Seattle’s Space Needle to Paris’ Eiffel Tower. Over the decades, it became one of the most recognizable and significant landmarks in Fort Lauderdale, an eye-catching, mid-century starburst crown making its mark on the skyline.
But in recent years, many were concerned Pier Top wouldn’t come back, remaining stationary, especially after the damage it sustained from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Now recognized as a historic landmark by Fort Lauderdale and meticulously restored and modernized by the development team, Pier Top lounge will soon spin again. It will be among the dozen highly anticipated food and beverage outlets set to debut at Pier Sixty-Six, which is now accepting reservations for stays and meetings beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
“A former, bygone era hangout for Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, Pier Top is returning to life as a high-end cocktail lounge and champagne bar,” says Brett Boreing, Executive Director of Sales and Marketing.
This time around, meeting and events guests can expect caviar and champagne to accompany the rotating panorama of views, from the twinkling Fort Lauderdale skyline to the turquoise waters of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.
Set on 32 waterfront acres, Pier Sixty-Six is part of a $1 billion redevelopment of a longtime beacon along Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway and in the heart of a destination known as the yachting capital of the world. The amenity-rich waterfront resort already features a superyacht and marina with 164 deep-water slips, and will soon offer multi-level pool experiences, a wellness spa, a promenade with shops and dining, and rentals for guests who want to get out on the water to kayak and paddleboard.
In addition to the high-end amenities, Pier Sixty-Six will welcome meeting attendees with sun-lit meeting spaces, wellness breaks, and select dining outlets with Michelin aspirations.
Restoring the Famed and Iconic Rotating Pier Top
To understand the future of Pier Sixty-Six, it helps to delve some into its rich past.
Pier Sixty-Six made its original debut in 1957 as the original fueling dock for Phillips 66 Petroleum. Pier Sixty-Six evolved into a marina, restaurant, and a waterway motel and eventually a 17-story hotel with the Pier Top, which embraced the 66 theme with exactly 66 spires and the bar rotating every 66 minutes.
The resort’s distinctive mid-century modern tower was designed by architect Richard F. Humble in the futuristic style that’s known as “Googie,” a playful type of architecture with acute angles, cantilevered structures, starbursts and roofs sloping at an upward angle.
The restored 17th-floor Pier Top lounge, which makes a full rotation every 66 minutes, is set to open in late 2024, as a place where groups can gather for VIP receptions, boards of directors meetings, and mimosa brunches timed with the sunrise over the Atlantic.
"Pier Top has long been known for its stunning exterior and breathtaking views," Boreing says, "but the interior design ethos will have guests equally inspired as much as the horizon - with an observation terrace that can accommodate up to 25 people offering views of yachts bobbing in the waterway."
A Dozen Dining Outlets Coming Soon to Pier Sixty-Six
Pier Sixty-Six will have a robust food and beverage program with a dozen dining outlets, including signature waterfront restaurants and the 17th-floor rotating Pier Top lounge.
Recent additions to the culinary team further solidify Pier Sixty-Six’s dedication to delivering premier gastronomic experiences for meeting guests. Frank Serindat, who has experience overseeing food and beverage venues at five-star properties, is the Director of Food and Beverage. Chef Aldo Novoa, a native of Mexico City whose grandmother’s cooking sparked his passion for food, will lead the culinary team.
Meeting guests can expect venues to feature coastal-inspired dishes, world-class wines, and craft cocktails perfected by Florida’s top mixologists. Oftentimes, waterfront resorts rely on their views for drawing accolades, but the Pier Sixty-Six team will also have a passionate dedication to providing culinary excellence.
"Garni Cafe has been designed with groups in mind," Serindat says. "The French-inspired brunch all-day restaurant will be open until 4pm daily, but groups can reserve it in the evenings for live action stations, guest chef dinner series, and team building cooking competitions." Garni Cafe was designed by Jeffrey Beers and his team; the late architect is renowned for designing some of the most vibrant hotel lounges, restaurants and spaces.
For casual, waterside dining, Pelican Landing will be a lively hangout on the marina with grill classics including conch fritters, cold beer and more. The Fort Lauderdale mainstay is in a tiny building on the edge of the pier—almost like a lighthouse setting—and will be polished and elevated while still serving classic comforts.
Pier Sixty-Six will also have convivial outdoor bar areas with pool views of the Intracoastal Waterway and city skyline in the backdrop that will be a great fit for cocktail receptions and feature menus with tropical-inspired drinks.
Meeting guests can also start their mornings at a high-end coffee bar with fresh pastries, cold-pressed juices and espresso drinks featuring latte art.
Meet at a State-of-the-Art Waterside Hub
When Pier Sixty-Six opens, meeting guests will have their pick of premier indoor-outdoor venues. The resort will feature more than 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and entertainment space, including three ballrooms that range from 5,250 square feet to 9,400 square feet.
Two of the ballrooms feature natural light, and one has a wall of glass doors that slide open to an adjacent event lawn, which provides a space for breaks and meetings while also allowing for indoor-outdoor meetings. In addition to the three flexible ballrooms, there are seven dedicated meeting rooms that range from 625 square feet to 930 square feet.
One thing that sets Pier Sixty-Six apart: All the meeting spaces are located on one level, so it’s easy for meeting attendees to navigate.
The luxury resort will welcome guests in its 325 guestrooms, suites and villa suites, which feature furnished scenic outdoor balconies with waterfront views. The property also features a world-class, 164-slip, deep water marina.
Getting to Pier Sixty-Six is also a breeze for meeting attendees: The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport connects travelers to dozens of domestic and international locations on non-stop flights. Pier Sixty-Six is centrally located and is 5.5 miles from the Fort Lauderdale airport. It’s 28 miles north of Miami and within four miles of the Brightline Fort Lauderdale Station. Fun fact: Pier Sixty-Six can also accommodate guest arrivals by water transportation.