Fort Lauderdale, FL (August 15, 2016) – Leading a new era in boutique lodging in Fort Lauderdale Beach, Gzella Collection is launching three beachside boutique hotels – Fortuna, Ikona and Mirra, following multi-million dollar renovations that combine modern interior design, smart technology and stylish amenities with historic architecture.
Collectively, the properties showcasing individual charm and unique personalities, will introduce South Florida travelers to a new level of custom experiences and service intimacy found only in boutique lodging.
The Gzella Collection Hotels are ideally situated steps away from the golden sand beaches of Fort Lauderdale and in the heart of the beach “scene” with water sports and activities, oceanfront bars and nightlife. The hotels’ prime location sets them at the center of everything happening between Las Olas shopping district, home to luxury retailers, world-class art galleries and al-fresco dining, and the nearby Galleria Mall, home to some of the best retail stores for guest’s shopping needs.
Family owned by Polish entrepreneur and real estate investor Miroslaw Gzella and operated by co-founder and family member Pawel Plata, the hotels within the Gzella Collection take pride on their individuality and ability to be the perfect destination for a tropical, chic and relaxing escape.
Fortuna Hotel, formerly the Seaside Motel located at 350 N Birch Road in Fort Lauderdale, was Gzella Collection’s first hotel to open to the public. The pet friendly hotel’s colorful atmosphere and personalized guest services for all ages and types of travelers make it the ideal place for a family vacation.
Fortuna Hotel’s bright and whimsical personality shows throughout its 35 guest rooms, two private pools, a sunlit lobby and exuberant outdoor spaces, including a poolside lawn area with oversized bean bags. The hotel is completely redesigned and thoughtfully appointed to draw travelers from around the world. Some of the hotel’s other unique features include a poolside shower that doubles as a surfboard and fun beach pop-art paintings in bright primary colors, accompanied by quirky bed and chair pillows featuring jungle monkeys and palm trees.
The property’s original architecture pays tribute to the destination’s history while the rooms’ midcentury modern decor elevate the guest experience and honor the different needs of today’s modern traveler. The property embodies the historical yet vivacious beauty of the city and offers guests the perfect setting for making lifelong memories.
“Today’s independent-minded travelers are seeking local adventures, authentic experiences and equally intimate and personalized services that are hard to find at big hotel chains,” said Pawel Plata, co-founder of Gzella Collection. “While our boutique properties are small compared to the W Hotel next door, the Fortuna, Ikona and Mirra boast big personalities.”
Formerly the Shell Motel located at 3030 Bayshore Drive in Fort Lauderdale, the Ikona Hotel is Gzella Collection’s signature beachside retreat, perfect for deep relaxation and sophisticated coastal living. Designed by Travel Channel’s Blanche Garcia, an interior designer on the popular show “Hotel Impossible,” Ikona is both sophisticated and approachable regardless of the guests’ individual needs.
Conceived as a contemporary re-imagination of a seaside cottage, Ikona’s ambiance is clearly apparent in its 24 fashionably designed deluxe rooms, family apartment suites and well-appointed penthouses. The rooms include custom-made modern furnishings, premium amenities such as Nespresso coffee makers and Oasis Collection cotton sheets, and natural finishings like exposed wood and sleek metals. The three-story hotel overlooks a private pool and courtyard garden with indoor and outdoor event space including a second-level balcony overlooking the ocean. The hotel is slated to open summer 2016.
Mirra Hotel is Gzella Collection’s third property nestled between the Ikona and Fortuna hotels. Located at 3016 Bayshore Drive in Fort Lauderdale, it was formerly the renowned 1950s-era Martindale Motel. The property is anticipated to open in the third quarter of 2017.
For more information on Gzella Collection, please visit www.gzellacollection.com. To book reservations at Fortuna Hotel, please visit www.gzellacollection.com/fortuna. For details on Ikona Hotel, visit www.gzellacollection.com/ikona.
