If you’re hankering for a fun holiday by the water, Fort Lauderdale in southeastern Florida is a place worth your attention. Here, you’ll find more than 7 miles of wonderful beaches where you can swim and soak up the Florida sun to your heart’s content. Also, Fort Lauderdale is home to roughly 165 miles of canals. Small wonder, then, that it sports the nickname “Venice of America.” As a popular tourist destination, the city boasts a vast array of lodging options. At the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale, beach vacations are made more enjoyable and memorable. You can choose from luxury properties, opulent vacation homes, grandiose resorts, gay-friendly hotels, budget-friendly motels, and more.
Book a hotel room in Downtown Fort Lauderdale and you’ll be a stone’s throw away from landmarks like the Bonnet House Museums and Gardens. Or, stay at a hotel in the nearby Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District for easy access to some of the best things to see and do in Fort Lauderdale. Meanwhile, the hotels in the Central Beach area invite you to enjoy some of the Sunshine State’s most fun stretches of sand.
Riverside Hotel
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Positioned on hip Las Olas Boulevard, Riverside Hotel offers a fantastic place to stay with lots to see and do nearby. It sits smack-dab in downtown Fort Lauderdale, just steps away from lively nightclubs, top-notch restaurants, and trendy boutiques.
Explore the areas canals once you step off the on-site boat dock. Or, swim a few laps in the palm-surrounded outdoor pool. Need a workout? If so, just head to the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness club. Meanwhile, treat yourself to hearty, world-class cuisine at the hotel’s restaurants and bars.
Riverside Hotel’s rooms are a pleasure to look at, with their Old Florida design. And, if you book an executive tower suite, prepare to be amazed by fabulous views of the city or the river.
B Ocean Resort
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Formerly known as the Yankee Clippers, B Ocean Resort is among the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale Beach for many reasons. First, it sits directly on the blindingly white sands of a private beach, so fun in the sun is never too far away. Second, it’s home to 4 dining venues with offerings to please even the fussiest of palates. Third, it’s close to the Bahia Shopping Center, the International Swimming Hall of Fame, and tons of other attractions.
B Ocean Resort contains a wide selection of room types, from chic double rooms to posh suites. Some have balconies with ocean views. Each one also has a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and a Keurig coffeemaker. The hotel also features a gorgeous outdoor infinity pool, a fitness center, and a spa.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
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When it comes to rooms with a view, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina delivers handsomely. Many of the hotel’s rooms and suites overlook the Intracoastal Waterway and the funky pool area. What’s more, the rooms contain wonderful features for a fantastic stay. These include flat-screen TVs, decadent bed linen, and loads of natural Florida sunlight thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows.
This luxury hotel boasts a waterfront restaurant as well as a fully equipped fitness center. Close by, the Broward County Convention Center draws visitors when it hosts expos and other large-scale events. Likewise, the Everglades Marina and the Lauderdale Marina are within easy reach.
The Pillars Hotel
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An award-winning 4-star property, The Pillars Hotel treats guests to a level of service and luxury that evokes Europe’s boutique inns. The tastefully designed and decorated rooms and suites feature goose-down beds, flat-screen TVs, and more. Some have dedicated outdoor seating areas. In the evening, you can luxuriate in al fresco fine dining at the hotel’s waterside restaurant.
The Pillars Hotel is on the Intracoastal Waterway and a short walk from the Atlantic Ocean’s balmy waters. It also features a private whistle stop for the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi service. Must-visit spots close to the hotel include the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the white-sand Fort Lauderdale Beach.
W Fort Lauderdale
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Excellent beachfront hotels are plentiful in Fort Lauderdale, and the W Fort Lauderdale is a noteworthy example. The rooms are spacious, bright, and airy in large part due to the floor-to-ceiling windows. Step out onto the balcony and enjoy refreshing views of the ocean. Or, stay inside and watch your favorite show on the flat-screen TV.
On sunny days, which are standard in Fort Lauderdale, head to the rooftop pool to swim and work on your tan. And, if you feel like spoiling yourself, you can get a massage at the Bliss Spa. For delicious meals, you only need to head to the hotel’s bar for steakhouse fare or the deck bar for light meals and cocktails. Room service is available 24/7, so there’s no need to worry if you get the munchies even in the wee hours.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
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The world-renowned Hilton brand is famous for outstanding accommodation. So, it comes as no surprise that the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is among the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale Beach. Here, you’ll find suites equipped with flat-screen TVs and spa baths. A kitchen or kitchenette makes cooking easy and enjoyable while a large seating area provides the perfect place for relaxing while admiring the ocean view.
This luxury resort boasts a beachfront outdoor pool and hot tub. What’s more, there’s a poolside spa where you can treat yourself to an invigorating massage. The hotel’s restaurants offer coastal specialties as well as casual French and American dishes. For sightseeing, you can visit nearby landmarks like the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens.
Plunge Beach Resort
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At the Plunge Beach Resort, your Fort Lauderdale vacation can be as active or as laid-back as you like. To get your adrenaline pumping, you can make use of the 24-hour fitness center or swim a few dozen laps in the outdoor pool. If you’d like to play in the Atlantic Ocean a few feet away, there’s always snorkeling and diving to consider. Also, the hotel offers free use of bicycles, handy for exploring the area while getting a good workout.
The hotel’s rooms are air-conditioned and well-appointed. Some have views of either the pool or the ocean. Located in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, the hotel is a short distance from the Sea Ranch Village Shopping Center and Bay View Drive Park.
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach
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Beachfront chic meets elegant design at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach. Here, you’ll find spacious, airy rooms equipped with climate control, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms with a shower. Within the resort, you can enjoy Mediterranean and local specialties at the on-site restaurants. Later, you can burn off the calories at the fitness center. Other amenities including an outdoor pool, hot tub, and 24-hour front desk help make this property one of the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale Beach.
There’s a wealth of things to see and do within a mile of the resort. For example, the Gateway Shopping Center is easily reachable if you’re hankering for some retail therapy. And, at the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, you can marvel at stellar examples of local flora and fauna.
The Atlantic Hotel & Spa
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Indulging in a host of creature comforts is a pleasure at The Atlantic Hotel & Spa. The guestrooms are spacious and come with private bathrooms and free toiletries. A balcony provides panoramic views of the endless Atlantic Ocean waves. A mini-bar, microwave, coffee machine, and refrigerator are some of the modern appliances in each room.
For the ultimate in pampering, head to the spa, where you can indulge in a soothing massage or detox in the sauna. Outdoors, you can splash around in the pool and soak in the hot tub. Fitness buffs, meanwhile, can get their workout in the state-of-the-art exercise room.
This luxury hotel is a short drive from the city center. Close by, you’ll find remarkable destinations such as the Hugh Taylor Birch Park and the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale shopping mall.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort, A Noble House Resort
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Everything at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, A Noble House Resort reminds you that you’re in town for an awesome beach holiday. First off, the guestrooms feature beach-inspired decor. Also, a look out the windows will reveal the ocean in all its glory. It’s a view you can enjoy to your heart’s content, from the bedroom to the living room to the furnished balcony.
Moreover, the resort’s top amenities provide scenic Atlantic Ocean views. You can work out at the fitness center or enjoy a Swedish massage at the spa while enjoying the sight of the azure ocean. And, if you love water recreation, you’ll be delighted with the oceanfront pool, lazy river tubing ride, and of course, the private beach.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
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Putting on the Ritz, Florida-style, is something guests experience daily at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. This 5- star property is easily one of the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale Beach. It offers everything you need for a luxurious stay. Stay in an opulent suite, where you can enjoy premium bedding and get a good night’s sleep thanks to blackout drapes. In the morning, savor a cup of coffee on the balcony in the ocean breeze. Take a dip in the outdoor pool or work on your tan on the palm-fringed deck. Later, pamper yourself with a massage in the full-service spa.
Tots in tow? If so, they’ll have a blast in the children’s pool and the children’s club. The hotel sits directly on the beach, where you and your little ones can have tons of fun. Meanwhile, LGBT guests will be pleased to know that the Ritz-Carlton is close to Sebastian Street Beach, one of the Best Gay Beaches in the World.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Fort Lauderdale:
- Mai-Kai Dinner & Polynesian Show – Enjoy America’s longest-running Polynesian Dance Revue while relishing a delicious 3-course meal.
- Elbo Room – Dating from 1938, this is one of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest bars and is a local landmark. The 1960 movie “Where the Boys Are” was filmed here. Today, it’s a cozy spot steps from the Atlantic Ocean and a beloved hang-out spot.
Recommended Activities In Fort Lauderdale:
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park – Set between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, this is Fort Lauderdale’s urban oasis. From swimming and paddling to roller blading and picnicking, there’s plenty to do here.
- Everglades Day Safari From Fort Lauderdale – Go on a rugged 9-hour eco-tour of the Everglades with a naturalist guide. See the local wildlife, and enjoy a boat cruise, sumptuous lunch, and an airboat ride.
