Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale Celebrates 20th Anniversary.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Following two decades of milestones, the landmark, 637-room Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa celebrated its 20th anniversary on Friday, October 22, 2004, in the company of Marriott International Chairman and CEO J.W. Marriott, Jr., and a host of local dignitaries, community leaders and invited guests.

The Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa's Grand Ballroom was the setting for paying tribute to those dedicated individuals responsible for building the foundation of what is today, Fort Lauderdale's premier, oceanfront resort. Past general managers, longtime employees and customers reunited for a historical evening, which began with a five-course performance by the chefs of the resort's past and present restaurants.

The resort first opened its doors along the shores of South Florida's largest private beach in October 1984. Since that time, a series of electrifying multi-million dollar developments have kept the resort in the forefront of the hospitality industry. In 1999, the property renovated all rooms and suites and redesigned the main lobby to include an impressive grand staircase and waterfall, all done in an effort to showcase the expansive view of the Atlantic Ocean. With the dawn of the millennium, the resort ushered in the highly acclaimed 3030 Ocean, serving modern American seafood and Riva, boasting lavish buffets.

A new level of luxury emerged in 2001 with the unveiling of the $8 million, 22,000-square-foot Spa at Marriott's Harbor Beach Resort, the area's largest oceanfront spa. Today it ranks among the "100 Best Spas of the World," with eighteen private, state-of-the-art treatment rooms, meditation rooms, private spa pool and spa cafe.

Transformations continued in 2002 with the arrival of Starbucks, rounding out the array of the resorts four restaurants and lounges. Recently, the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa completed a $3.5 million renovation of the prestigious 14,900-square-foot Grand and 8,030-square-foot Caribbean Ballrooms.

Nestled on 16 lush tropical acres, the resort features 30,000 square-feet of indoor meeting space, over 20,000 square-feet of outdoor terraces, 200,000 square-feet of secluded beach that can be utilized for private functions, and an oceanfront gazebo. The resort is located ten minutes from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, and one mile from Port Everglades. For information call 954-525-4000, or visit http://www.marriottharborbeach.com.