FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- With its anticipated opening on January 2, 2008, the 105-suite il Lugano resort will be the first major new luxury hotel in Fort Lauderdale in the 21st century. Located at 3333 N.E. 32 Avenue, between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel will offer guests a unique oasis of comfort and style, an unprecedented level of personalized service and breathtaking, panoramic views from every suite. To showcase its spectacular views, the all-suite property is offering special "sneak peek" room rates available only on its Web site, http://www.illugano.com/, for a limited time, beginning as low as $199 for a four-star hotel experience.

"Ft. Lauderdale is one of the crown jewels of the Atlantic Florida coast," said Jeffrey Gwin, managing partner for the ownership. "Our vision for il Lugano is to add a new, higher level of luster to this great destination. This unique property brings the stylishness and capabilities of some of the world's finest boutique hotels, tempered with the sensibilities and service of old world charm."

"We will deliver a sophisticated, chic and relaxing environment for our guests in a playful atmosphere," said Chuck Castiglia, general manager. "Our mission is to turn our guests' travels into a memorable hotel experience, rather than just a destination. We will bring a distinguished approach to guest service and amenities, with every associate commissioned to act as every guest's personal concierge. It is this focus on attention to detail that will allow us to create a guest experience where every whim is anticipated and fulfilled."

Oversized Suites

The oversized one-bedroom suites, beginning at 900 square feet, and the two-bedroom suites, with up to 1,450 square feet, offer oversized balconies with horizon-wide views. Entertainment suites, featuring sky terraces, are capable of handling up to 50 guests. All rooms have unobstructed views of the Intracoastal Waterway or the Atlantic Ocean.

il Lugano amenities include full-sized refrigerators, microwaves and cook- tops and washers and dryers. Guests will enjoy complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access and can relax in the luxuriously appointed suites that feature two large flat panel television sets, and Bose Sound systems and iPod docking stations. Other lavish in-suite touches include deluxe, 400- thread count linens and bedding, two-line telephones and luxurious European bath amenities.

il Lugano will feature a lushly landscaped swimming pool, a state-of-the- art fitness center, complete with free weights and Precor cardio theater entertainment with stereo headphones. The elegant lobby bar will offer signature cocktails. The hotel also offers 10 boat slips on the Intracoastal Waterway. A signature restaurant fronting the Intracoastal will be announced next spring.

"Our property will offer a four-plus star physical experience, but what will set the il Lugano apart from other luxury hotels in the immediate Ft. Lauderdale market is its signature service," Castiglia said. "To travel to nearby shopping and fine dining establishments, our guests will be chauffeured in Escalades, or they can hop aboard il Lugano One which also can be arranged for private events.

"il Concierges will be on call 24 hours a day to not only respond to every need but to anticipate them. They will arrange reservations at the most desirable clubs and, as well as highly sought after tickets to major events," he added. "We will offer packing and unpacking services, 24-hour in-suite dining in the guest's room or on the private terrace, and in-suite spa treatments, to name just a few. The il Lugano will feel much more like a residence with a personal chef than a hotel."

Just off of Route A1A, the hotel's prime location mixes the benefits of a tropical setting with close proximity to the upbeat nightlife and city demeanor of surrounding Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood and South Beach. il Lugano is designed to meet the needs of both short- and long-term leisure and business travelers, catering to both international and domestic travelers. Suites can be booked for one night or as long as one year.

Unique Meeting Space

The hotel will cater to small meetings and conferences that seek a unique, high-service event. The property features a 550-square-foot elegantly appointed executive boardroom, capable of serving up to 12 people on a highly personalized basis. The entertainment suites can host functions of up to 50 people, with the sky terrace offering unparalleled panoramic views.

Luxury Residences

The top four floors of the building feature 23 luxury residences. Each unit, ranging in size from 1,600 to 7,000 square feet with 10- to 11-foot ceilings, features floor-to-ceiling glass windows with either Intracoastal or ocean views, European kitchens and large balconies. Unit owners are entitled to use all hotel amenities. For more information, contact Phyllis Zwibel or Robert MacKilligan with Galleria Collection of Fine Homes at 954-567-4484 or visit the sales center in the lobby of the hotel.

Rising 15 floors above Ft. Lauderdale's renowned Intracoastal Waterway, il Lugano is located 10 miles from the Fort Lauderdale International Airport and is minutes from the city's financial district, performing arts center, museums, shops, beaches, restaurants and night life.

il Lugano is a member of Summit Hotels & Resort and Preferred Hotel Group, a global collection of independently owned luxury hotels and resorts. The property is managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts, a leading independent, third-party operator of hotels and resorts. For Sneak Peak reservations or more information, visit http://www.illugano.com/ or call 954-564-4400.

Contact: Jerry Daly or Chris Daly, media (703) 435-6293

CONTACT: Jerry Daly or Chris Daly, +1-703-435-6293, both for il Lugano

Web site: http://www.illugano.com/