By Patti Pietschmann

One of my favorite Fort Lauderdale hotels is undergoing a major reinvention.   B Hotels & Resorts today announced that it is bringing a fresh, contemporary design to the iconic property that sits across Highway A1A from a beautiful stretch of beach. We have stayed at the hotel before and after cruises which is just about 20-minutes from the port of Fort Lauderdale. "This stunning transformation raises the hotel to 'like-new status,' with new services and amenities that speak to the needs and wants of our guests who anticipate the 'Self Expression Hospitality' the brand is known to exude," explains hotel General Manager, Jean Capps. "The approachability of our team allows us to bring this landmark back to life."

Originally built in 1956 as the Yankee Clipper, named after its ship-like structure, the hotel reigned as a  popular spot for such famous faces as Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio and   Robert De Niro to name a few. 

Each of the hotel's 484 spacious guest rooms and suites, which range in size from 300 sq. ft. to a lavish 1,700 sq. ft. many with private balconies, will be impeccably refurbished with a  coastal-chic vibe, inspired by the property's serene waterside backdrop, with hues of blue and grey, dark woods, and subtle prints reminiscent of the local endangered sea turtle. Along with B Hotels & Resorts® signature Blissful Bed®, each room has sleek custom furnishings, a 55" HD LED interactive flat-screen television, reading nook, AVEDA bath amenities, coffee maker, in-room safe and mini fridge. As part of the multi-million dollar refurbishment, the resort is also introducing a two-story penthouse with private elevator, kitchenette, separate sitting area and a sleeping room with king-size bed, offering guests exquisite views of the ocean and bustling Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Highlights of  B Ocean Resort include an inviting, spacious lobby and meeting space as well as massive 50 foot skylight that provides a feeling of nostalgia as you step into the hotel. The interior design evokes luxury but in a relaxed and modest ambiance while incorporating natural elements of water and light with marine-themed décor, surrounding an eye-catching glass staircase and water feature.

There are two outdoor infinity edge swimming pools, a 24-hour state-of-the-artB Active® Fitness Center, two B Indulged® Spa Suites and over 14,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space that has expanded onto the second floor. The second floor Point Room offers floor-to-ceiling windows with an attached spacious outdoor beachfront terrace and equipped with the latest technology, an ideal venue for high end corporate and social events.   B Ocean's private beach, pool decks and first level ballroom are popular spots for  large group events, meetings or weddings (last time we were there they hosted a couple of nuptials).

The resort has also partnered with Yes Hospitality Group and chef and TV personality, Ralph Pagano to lead the hotel's food and beverage concepts including Naked Crab, Salty Siren, The Clipper grab-n-go, and its world-famous Wreck Bar, a favorite to locals and travelers since the 1950s. The Wreck Bar was originally designed to resemble an underwater shipwreck highlighted by its expansive aquariums and porthole-shaped views looking into the hotels' main pool where the bar hosts the MeduSirena Mermaid Show, a live underwater aquatic performance every Friday and Saturday night.

For more information or to book a stay at B Ocean Resort, visit: http://www.bhotelsandresorts.com/b-ocean/ or contact the resort at 954.564.1000. Follow @BOceanResort on Instagram and Twitter and @BOceanResortFortLauderdale on Facebook.