Pier Sixty-Six has been a fixture on the Fort Lauderdale waterfront for decades, centered on a marina and yacht basin on the Intracoastal, with the rotating Pier Top lounge as its most recognizable feature after a recent renovation restored it.
Its location near the 17th Street Causeway puts it close to both the Broward County Convention Center and Port Everglades, which makes it a frequent lodging and small-event choice for teams working shows nearby without wanting a full resort footprint.
The property also sits close enough to Las Olas Boulevard and downtown Fort Lauderdale that guests can reach the boulevard's restaurants and shops in a short drive, giving an evening program more options than a strictly beachfront or convention-district property might.
Execution priorities
- A working yacht basin and marina alongside the hotel
- The rotating Pier Top lounge as a signature landmark
- Close proximity to the 17th Street venue corridor
- Short drive to Las Olas Boulevard for evening dining and retail
A landmark on the Intracoastal
Pier Sixty-Six's history on the Fort Lauderdale waterfront gives it a different character than the newer beachfront resorts: it reads as a marina property first, with the hotel and event space arranged around the yacht basin rather than the ocean.
That marina setting means views and outdoor event space face boats and the Intracoastal rather than open ocean, a distinction worth confirming with clients who assume every Fort Lauderdale property faces the beach.
The Pier Top rotating lounge
The rotating lounge at the top of the tower is the property's best-known feature, restored as part of a recent renovation, and it functions as a natural venue for a smaller reception or VIP gathering tied to a larger show happening elsewhere in the corridor.
Booking Pier Top for an event requires working within its rotating-room footprint, which suits an intimate group far better than a large general session.
- Pier Top's rotating design as a natural VIP or reception space
- Limited capacity compared to a standard ballroom
- Marina views rather than oceanfront views
Yacht basin logistics next to the venue corridor
The working yacht basin brings its own rhythm, boat traffic, dockage, and marina staff, that runs alongside any hotel or meeting activity, which is part of the property's character rather than a conflict to manage away.
For event staff unfamiliar with a marina property, it is worth a short walkthrough before the show to understand where hotel operations end and working dock space begins.
Shuttle service between the property and the convention center is arranged on a per-show basis rather than offered as a standing amenity, so planners should confirm transportation directly with the hotel or the show's management well before the event.
What the renovation changed
Recent renovation work restored and modernized several of the property's signature spaces, including Pier Top, bringing updated finishes to a hotel whose brand recognition in Fort Lauderdale predates most of the beachfront resorts built since.
Close enough to downtown for evening programming
Pier Sixty-Six's position along the Intracoastal, closer to the 17th Street Causeway than to the central beach, puts it a short drive from both Las Olas Boulevard and downtown Fort Lauderdale, an option worth noting for a program that wants an evening reception away from the property itself.
That flexibility is useful for planners weighing a marina-view dinner on site against a downtown restaurant a few minutes away, either works logistically given the property's central location within the broader Fort Lauderdale waterfront.
The property's spa and fitness facilities are smaller in scale than at the larger beachfront resorts, consistent with its identity as a marina-focused hotel first, but they still give attendees an on-site option for downtime between sessions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pier Sixty-Six on the ocean or the Intracoastal?
The Intracoastal, set on a working yacht basin and marina rather than open beach.
What is Pier Top?
A rotating lounge at the top of the property's tower, recently restored, suited to smaller receptions.
How close is Pier Sixty-Six to the Broward County Convention Center?
It sits near the 17th Street Causeway, a short drive from the convention center.
Can Pier Sixty-Six host a large general session?
Its strongest fit is smaller receptions and VIP events rather than a full exhibit-scale session.
Is Pier Sixty-Six close to downtown Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, it sits a short drive from Las Olas Boulevard and downtown, useful for evening programming off property.
Does Pier Sixty-Six offer shuttle service to the convention center?
Shuttle arrangements vary by show and should be confirmed with the property or show management rather than assumed.