11 Best Family Hotels in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, the Venice of America, is one of the best places for families to have a great vacation in one of the best beautiful beach settings in the States. If you love world-famous beaches, eclectic dining options, and plenty of non-beach activities, chances are you and your family will have a blast in Fort Lauderdale. You can also make use of the city’s fun water taxis or trolleys to ferry your family from the beach to town. Plus, there’s also the Las Olas Boulevard, which is perfect for a family stroll. To complete your vacation, you should book a room at the best family hotel in Fort Lauderdale. Many great resorts and hotels have plenty of activities to keep your kids busy, and many of them are more than enough to occupy adults. To help you save your time, we’ve selected some of the best family hotels in Fort Lauderdale that have been showered with positive reviews. Let’s take a look at them!

Hampton Inn Ft Lauderdale-Airport North

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There’s no better way to kick off our list of the best family hotels in Fort Lauderdale than with the Hampton Inn Ft Lauderdale-Airport North. Thanks to its great location, this amazing hotel manages to provide a fantastic base for a great family vacation. This best family hotel in Fort Lauderdale is only two miles from the ocean and next door to the Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Yes, this Fort Lauderdale hotel is close to all the amenities and attractions your family will ever need! From family-friendly parks to shopping malls to museums, you name it!

There are plenty of comfy rooms at this hotel, but the beautiful King Rooms have been refurbished to give you a warm welcome. They’re fully equipped with walk-in showers, microwaves, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, and other amenities that will make you feel at home. If you’re driving to the hotel, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s free parking for the duration of your stay! Speaking of free stuff, your whole family can also enjoy free breakfast each morning before you begin your day. Other family-friendly amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a mini-market.

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Pelican Grand Beach Resort

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The Pelican Grand Beach Resort is the best family hotel in Fort Lauderdale that offers both style and class. Outdoor space is paramount at this Victorian high-rise beachfront hotel. Wooden decks with rocking chairs and balconies in guest rooms bring in the fresh breeze and Floridian sunshine. We also love the style that blends modern and classic notes in a family-friendly environment. Sea tones, white linens, and light colors keep the guestrooms fresh and open. A good example of the blended style is modern bathrooms with dual sprayers and rainfall showerheads with SMEG minifridges. This hotel sure knows how to pamper its guests.

In addition to that, kids and parents alike will enjoy the hotel’s soda fountain! Upscale dining and sunset views for more formal evenings are available as well. One of our favorite amenities is the hotel’s family pool, a great break from the sea. Your kids can also have fun in the hotel’s lazy river. While your kids are busy with themselves, parents can rejuvenate at the on-site Pure Spa, which offers Swedish massages, cleansing facials, and other spa services. Or, you can also burn some calories at the state-of-the-art fitness center.

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Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel

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Luxury hotels have their own appeal. And if you want to spend your family vacation in a fancy hotel, we recommend the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel! Treat your family to a spot of coastal luxury at this four-star hotel, and all of them will be smiling from ear to ear! The kids are sure to love the free Sun Trolley that takes you around the city. Even better, you can catch one just a few steps from this awesome hotel! We also highly recommend taking a ride to the beautiful beaches in Fort Lauderdale, or maybe the high-end Galleria Mall that older kids are sure to enjoy.

Alternatively, suppose you’re looking for a unique way to discover the “Venice of America”. In that case, you should jump into a Water Taxi where you can take a leisurely cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway. Don’t forget to sample a cup of locally prepared La Colombe coffee before you leave! The on-site outdoor pool, surrounded by tropical gardens, is worth mentioning too! Meanwhile, a 37″ flat-screen TV and a laptop safe await you in your room, along with luxury Aveda toiletries. Some of the rooms include access to the club-level lounge, with drinks and snacks that are sure to put a smile on the kid’s faces. Don’t forget to maintain your fitness at the fully-equipped fitness center, and then treat yourself to a post-workout dip in the on-site hot tub!

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Holiday Inn Express Cruise Airport, an IHG Hotel

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This list won’t be complete without the Holiday Inn Express Cruise Airport, an IHG Hotel! If you’re looking for the best family hotels in Fort Lauderdale that won’t break the bank, look no further than this accommodation. The cozy guestrooms are some of the best on offer in Fort Lauderdale, and a stay at this hotel means you’ll be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi and a 32″ flat-screen TV with over 70 cable channels that the kids are sure to love. Additionally, you’ll have an in-room refrigerator, microwave, and a workstation where you can make free calls locally. If you’re traveling with a baby, you can also request a cot to be put in your room! Sounds convenient, doesn’t it?

Kids will love the hot breakfast buffet each morning, which is included in your stay. They can choose from refreshing juices and delicious pastries, cereals, muffins, pancakes, and much more! The location also plays a big part in making this hotel amazing. After all, it’s only a couple of blocks from two big shopping malls, so there’ll be plenty to keep the kids occupied. Even better, there’s a bus that you can catch to Fort Lauderdale Beach for only 1.75USD each, giving you easy access to some fun in the sun. With a great location and a free 24-hour airport shuttle, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best family hotels in Fort Lauderdale.

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Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale – 17th Street

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Traveling with small children can sometimes be a hassle. That’s why many families are looking for the best family hotels in Fort Lauderdale that have enough facilities without being too busy. While it’s not easy to find such a hotel, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale – 17th Street does just that. Not to mention, this three-star hotel offers more complimentary extras than many other hotels! For example, breakfast is included in your stay. There’s also a huge pool where your kids can have fun, and you can relax with and drink. This and the suites with separate living areas are just a few reasons why this hotel is so popular with families!

One thing that you’ll probably notice is that this hotel doesn’t provide a kids club. However, that’s totally fine! You can easily take your little ones for a stroll to the Funderdome that’s only a few minutes down the road. There, you’ll find fun activities that kids will love. Warning: your kids might never want to return to the hotel! Aside from that, you can also easily access the vibrant nightlife, charming shops, and gourmet restaurants near the hotel. If you don’t mind being slightly away from the beach, this hotel offers a fantastic affordable family stay! If you want a day at the beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach is only two miles away.

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Ramada by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port

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Our next pick of the best family hotel in Fort Lauderdale is none other than the Ramada by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port. Located just 1.5 miles away from Fort Lauderdale International Airport, you and your family will be able to get to your accommodation in a blink of an eye once you get off the plane. As with other hotels near Fort Lauderdale Airport, there’s also a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. That way, transporting your tired kids to the hotel will be no problem! Conveniently located, there are tons of things for your whole family to do nearby, including fishing and boating tours, exciting restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

This full-service two-star hotel offers homely amenities that families will enjoy. There’s a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning, so you can start your day with a full stomach, complimentary Wi-Fi, two on-site restaurants, as well as a room service option. We’re sure your kids will be thrilled to swim in the large outdoor pool. It comes complete with sunbeds so you can bask in the beautiful Florida sun while watching your kids swim. Oh, don’t forget to order a drink from the poolside Tiki Bar! When the weather is unfriendly, the wide choice of HBO channels will keep your little ones entertained all day!

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Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port

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Want to discover the beauty of Fort Lauderdale? Then the Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port will make the perfect base! Boasting a convenient location, this best family hotel in Fort Lauderdale is just a few miles away from the Fort Lauderdale International Airport, making it easy to get the family from the airport to the hotel. By spending your trip here, you and your loved ones will be able to visit trendy restaurants and shops. By the way, why not pay a visit to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts? There, you can catch live ballet performances, Broadway shows, and concerts! You can also entertain the kids by taking them for a stroll down the beautiful beaches that Fort Lauderdale has to offer and then jump into a Water Taxi for an adventure on the Intracoastal Waterway!

One of the best things about this hotel is that kids can stay for free! Yes, we’re not joking! Thus, you can have a fabulous family vacation for less! At this accommodation, you can expect a spacious and airy room. It’s kitted out with the hotel’s signature Hyatt Grand Bed, as well as a sofa bed and a 42″ flat-screen television. Bathroom vanities complete with granite countertops await you, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi to keep you connected with your pals. Lastly, if you’ve left things at home, don’t panic! That’s because Odds and Ends is there to help with essential items that you can borrow, buy, or enjoy free of charge!

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Riverside Hotel

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You can expect a real treat when you stay at the world-famous Riverside Hotel! Fun fact: there are tons of family hotels in Fort Lauderdale, but this is the only one on the prestigious Las Olas Boulevard! This romantic Fort Lauderdale hotel is luxurious and has a laidback feel, combining old Florida style with Caribbean charm. This 12-story building boasts 231 well-appointed rooms, with 6 being suites that feature Old Florida décor as well as panoramic views of the city’s skyline. If your family needs plenty of space and you’re okay with splurging a little bit, we highly recommend booking the first-rate suite. Of course, there’s free Wi-Fi at this hotel so your kids can update their social media. And when it’s time for some quality time, the whole family can play with water in the outdoor pool. If you don’t swim, you can hit the on-site gym instead!

As the best family hotel in Fort Lauderdale, this accommodation has two on-site restaurants: Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille and Boathouse at the Riverside. Both of them offer yummy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can go there whenever you want. Apart from that, your kids are sure to love the on-site custom cake shop, perfect for if you’re celebrating a birthday while on vacation! The Broward Center for Performing Arts is also very close by, offering musicals and various live entertainment that kids and adults will love. Book a room here, and you’re going to have your best family trip!

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B Ocean Resort

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Families will finally be able to find their bliss at this stunning B Ocean Resort. Originally opened in 1956 and named the Yankee Clipper, this hotel has been the go-to hotel for many iconic American names in the past, like Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe! This best family hotel in Fort Lauderdale is directly located on the world-famous Fort Lauderdale Beach. Even better, this accommodation is also only minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale International Airport and Downtown Las Olas Boulevard. That way, you don’t have to spend hours going to the airport but you can still enjoy the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale!

Though many years have passed, this oceanfront hotel still retains its historic charm while looking modern at the same time. Here, you can treat your kids to a day in the sun while you lounge on the private beach and sample some mouthwatering food and drink offered. What’s more, your whole family can also visit the famous Wreck bar to see a one-of-a-kind mermaid performance! We bet your kids will have a blast. To end the day, you can rest in one of the 481 chic and spacious rooms and suites. Plush beds, a flat-screen TV, microwave, and Wi-Fi are all standards in each room. The hotel’s other award-winning facilities include two outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness center, and exciting underwater entertainment. Considering everything it offers, you’ll be surprised to know that this is one of the best cheap hotels in Fort Lauderdale!

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Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort

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Enjoy home comforts with the wonderful addition of glorious sunshine and beautiful ocean views at the Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort! As one of the best family hotels in Fort Lauderdale, families will have a blast spending their trip here. Offering 225 well-appointed guestrooms, there’s a wide range of rates to suit every budget, including oceanfront suites (which, by the way, is our favorite)! Each revamped room boasts a private balcony, new carpet and draperies, and a flat-screen TV. Even better, all guestrooms are kitted out with a minifridge, hairdryer, safe, and coffee maker for a home from home feeling. And if you have a baby or toddler, you can request a crib or cot to be put in your room.

Another thing that makes this resort the best family hotel in Fort Lauderdale is its location. Situated on the beach, this hotel is near to many popular attractions, shopping, and restaurants. Some of them are the Bay View Drive Park, Coral Ridge Mall, Imperial Square Shopping Center, Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, as well as Fort Lauderdale Beach. Don’t worry, you don’t have to leave the hotel to have a blast! We highly recommend enjoying the outdoor pool together with your kids when the weather permits. Besides that, you can also keep up your training regimen by working out at the fitness center. If you want to take the family on a canoeing or kayaking trip, there’s a chance to hire equipment out too.

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The Westin Fort Lauderdale

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Sitting on top of this list is The Westin Fort Lauderdale, one of the most popular family hotels in Fort Lauderdale. Located close to attractions such as South Beach Park and the Bahia Mar Shopping Center, this best family hotel in Fort Lauderdale is packed with family-friendly amenities. A range of activities and snacks await your little ones to make their arrival even better! One of our favorite things about this hotel is its outdoor pool overlooking the ocean! This fully-supervised pool will most probably be your kids’ favorite spot. Apart from that, there’s also a fun schedule of activity programs that’ll keep your little angels busy all day long. Plus, there’s a bridge that takes you straight to Fort Lauderdale beach as well!

Another thing that we fancy is the guestroom! Each room is spacious, well decorated, and equipped with all the must-have amenities. You can expect a cloud-like bed, free Wi-Fi, kitchenette, smart TV, and room service if you’d like to order in. Speaking of which, you have to try the on-site restaurant, Alifere’s. It serves delicious local cuisine that’ll leave you wanting more! On top of that, there’s also a 6,500 square foot Heavenly Spa, which is the perfect place for parents that want to spoil themselves after a tiring day. Thanks to the spa, this hotel is also named one of the best spa hotels in Fort Lauderdale!

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Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is best known for its fabulous beaches, but it’s way more than that. The principal attractions away from the beach lie Downtown Fort Lauderdale, the region’s commercial and cultural center. While it’s relatively easy to explore the city center on foot, a car is the best way to zip around the region, though Water Taxis are also an option in Fort Lauderdale.

If you want to be close to the beach but need to stay on a budget, we recommend looking for the best family hotels in Fort Lauderdale near Hollywood Beach. It’s arguably the best area in Fort Lauderdale to stay in for easy access to the beach and all its charms as well as better prices. Apart from that, you should also consider staying in Las Olas. It’s one of Fort Lauderdale’s best neighborhoods. As one of the most beautiful areas in the city, you can find many shopping centers and entertainment here.

For a more quiet area, we recommend Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. This area is north of the main beach and less crowded with a different feel. It’s safe, peaceful, and kid-friendly. The locals there mostly keep to themselves, but they’re generally friendly.

Recommended Family Restaurants / Bars in Fort Lauderdale

• 15^th Street Fisheries – This restaurant has rustic charm and waterfront views that make it a popular destination. Take advantage of its unique location in this most famous nautical landmark to arrive in a car or a boat. Here, you can enjoy its fabulous seafood, drink specials, and its 5USD Happy Hour menu that includes chicken wings, Calamaries, mini burgers, and conch fritters.
• Buca di Beppo – A favorite of locals and visitors alike, this restaurant is a must-visit. It serves family-style classic Italian dishes. We also love the delicious appetizers, salads, pasta, pizzas, and desserts. Want some beer or fine wine? This restaurant has them too!
• The Floridian – Another great eatery for families is The Floridian. It’s especially busy on weekend mornings when folks gather for huge omelets, fresh oatmeal, biscuits, and other typical breakfast fares. Don’t expect the service to be refined or sophisticated, but do expect the food to be hearty and satisfying.

Recommended Family Activities in Fort Lauderdale

• Fort Lauderdale: 1-Hour Family Pirate Adventure Cruise – Set sail on the Intracoastal Waterway and learn how to become a pirate together with your kids! You’ll have the chance to follow the map to the key to the treasure, battle a real pirate with water cannons, and more!
• 90-Minute Parasailing Adventure in Fort Lauderdale – Fly high above the Gold Coast of Fort Lauderdale on this 1.5-hour parasailing adventure! Head out on the water with a captain and crew for a safe experience. Once you’re hundreds of feet in the air, you’ll be able to take in views of Lauderdale Beach, the surrounding blue waters of the Atlantic, and even a glimpse of the Bahamas on a very clear day!
• 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruise in Fort Lauderdale – This is perfect for families who want to squeeze a lot of sightseeing into a limited amount of time. A fully narrated 90-minute cruise along the New River through Fort Lauderdale will let you soak up such sights as the lavish homes and mega yachts along Millionaire’s Row.