How the W Keeps Turtles from Gate-Crashing

The cool-but-unintimidating vibe of a W Hotel attracts nearly everyone ... unless, of course, you're a turtle. And at this stylish chain's new hotel in Fort Lauderdale, they plan to keep it that way.

The new W — a massive hotel that also includes a Stephen Starr restaurant, a branch of Whiskey Blue, and a Bliss Spa — was designed, with the blessings of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, to keep turtles away. Because the hotel is actually across a busy street from the beach, typical lighting would attract the area's plentiful turtles, causing them to cross the street and potentially get run over. By using special long wavelength lighting, and pointing it towards the ground, the hotel is able to keep everything bright enough for evening swims and dinner outdoors without luring in one gate-crashing turtle.

Of course the hotel's design is about more than just lights. Even though the new W is large, it never feels like an anonymous resort ... and the rooms are super comfortable and (more often than not) have at least partial ocean views. Sustainably-produced carpets, bamboo floors in some rooms, and plenty of energy-efficient LED lighting simply add to the hotel's appeal.

Unless, that is, you're a turtle.