11 Best Fort Lauderdale Spring Break Hotels

Fort Lauderdale has come a long way since its “spring break hotspot” days from the 60s to the 80s when college kids headed here for post-midterms fun. However, 21st-century FL has not only calmed down but also grown up a fair bit. While it still remains a prime spring destination, the style of vacation has transformed from party central to a luxe escape – think less boozy drinks and more “classy cabanas.” Fort Lauderdale spring break hotels are part of this transformation, being driven by it as well as driving it. What’s more, they have a wide range of vibes, including family hotels, quieter adult-only stays, cool little boutique digs, and luxurious seaside escapes.

So, no matter what kind of vacation you’re in the mood for, Fort Lauderdale has got your back. So, here’s a detailed guide to this world-class beach destination, which has lots of cool things to do and equally cool places to stay.

The Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood

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There’s absolutely nothing subtle about this flamboyant and behemoth Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood on the shores of Hollywood Beach. But that’s exactly the point of staying at this 1000-room hotel, which boasts giant rooms – some of the largest in the city. But that’s not all.

It has all the essentials of a springtime party hotel, including a 1,000-ft beach with pristine sands, multiple places to eat, and a gorgeous lagoon pool. After lounging at the secluded beach, the lush, multi-level pool deck was our favorite hangout spot. That was followed by a much-needed massage session at the two-storied waterfront sanctuary that’s the Diplomat Spa + Salon, complete with views of the beach. Of course, that’s not all. The treatments here embody the eight elements of earth, air, fire, water, ice, nature, light, and darkness. With a fitness training studio, an O2 Oxygen chair, a nail salon, and an Eucalyptus steam room, it’s no wonder it’s one of Fort Lauderdale’s best spa hotels. Six restaurants and bars wrap up the drinking and dining scene here.

The rooms and suites here came with flatscreen cable TVs, small fridges, and luxe bathrooms, and some rooms like ours even featured private balconies. The best bit? Ours had oceanfront views!

B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale Beach

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We were looking for an iconic waterfront institution in Ft Lauderdale to spend a springtime holiday, and what better place than the B Ocean Resort, Fort Lauderdale Beach? It’s one of the best Fort Lauderdale hotels for spring break for more reasons than one. The hotel has been known by many names, opening as the Yankee Clipper in 1956. However, it’s probably still best known as the resort that “looks like a cruise ship!”

However, the unique maritime architecture isn’t its most famous feature. That distinction belongs to its underwater Wreck Bar, which felt like we were drinking at the bottom of a shipwreck! The bonus was that it even had mermaids swimming past the portholes behind the bar! Did you know it even hosted an Aquamen Underwater Burlesque Show on Thursdays? Now, that’s what we call spring break! Of course, there are two other restaurants and bars onsite to satiate our hunger and drinking pangs. Our second favorite place, jointly, was the beach and the two outdoor pools, complete with beach loungers and private cabanas.

All rooms and suites, as well as the entire resort, featured free Wi-Fi so we could plan our itineraries in peace. What’s more, they all came with flatscreen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, and luxe private bathrooms.

Pelican Grand Beach Resort

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Best resort with beach access. Most Fort Lauderdale Beach hotels, impressive as they were, required us to cross the A1A highway to post up on the sand. All but the stately Pelican Grand Beach Resort, which sits just north of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, right on the beach. We were able to enjoy long, sunny days at the beach, where the resort had set up loungers and daybeds under umbrellas.

However, they went to great lengths to ensure our stay was relaxing and refreshing, even back at the resort. We especially loved the lazy river, which is a hit with all the guests. Our days here were spent floating down the winding waters in a tube as we soaked up the sun and enjoyed the sea breeze. Of course, the zero-entry pool was another favorite spot. There are three onsite restaurants, including a bakery, a bar, and the restaurant Ocean 2000, which offers an exciting menu and unobstructed views of the ocean. Rounding up the features are the fitness center and Pure Spa, both of which also boast ocean views.

The rooms and suites draw inspiration from the grand Florida destination hotels of the old and are done up in wicker and white, with views of the ocean at every turn. Our oceanfront king suite was the epitome of luxury, with a separate living room and a balcony fronting the ocean.

Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale

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Some might scoff at the idea of an inland hotel in Fort Lauderdale, but the Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale in the heart of bustling Las Olas is as interesting as it’s alluring. What’s more, this Hyatt outpost is anything but a chain hotel, making it perfect for our spring vacation in the very heart of Ft. Lauderdale. The rooms and suites here were especially huge, with ocean-inspired art and light wood floors that brought a slice of the coast to the urban core of Las Olas. Rainfall showers in the luxe bathrooms, huge, and we mean huge, flatscreen TVs and spectacular views of the city made up our gorgeous abode.

That said, the real draw of this Hyatt property lay outside the rooms in the form of its amazing amenities. The outdoor swimming pool, which is open all year, was our favorite spot, especially since it was surrounded by loungers and daybeds. However, the best bit was that the pool lay on the rooftop and afforded sensational views of the cityscape and even the ocean in the distance. Lying on the daybeds and ordering drinks from the pool bar was the best way to spend the day. What’s more, the hotel is also home to not-so-secret, dimly-lit, sexy speakeasy Room 901, which is not just Fort Lauderdale’s but one of South Florida’s coolest cocktail bars.

The Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

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We were looking for a serene and quiet spring break rather than a party-till-you-drop vacation, which is why we gravitated towards The Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Its origins are very old, dating back to 1949 when this art-deco gem was known as the Escape Hotel. In fact, it was the city’s very first year-round accommodation! Today, this modern Kimpton boutique outpost felt every bit the midcentury escape it could have been in its heyday. The digs surround a lush courtyard pool, which beckoned us to come to relax by the water every single time we saw it or passed by it. But that’s not even the only pool on the premises! We’re talking about the rooftop pool, which offers superb elevated views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Sitting right next to the pool was the onsite restaurant La Fuga, which specialized in coastal Italian options, allowing us to gorge on seafood and light pasta. It was also where we’d enjoy a wonderful à la carte breakfast right by the pool. A fitness center, free bikes, and free Wi-Fi round up the offerings here. That said, the rooms here were our favorite, with white and light wood interiors and splashes of shades of blue. They felt boutique to the core and were the perfect place to relax on our spring holiday.

Plunge Beach Resort

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Best adults-only. We, along with fellow staycationing South Floridians, loved the Plunge Beach Resort, tucked in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Located just north of Ft. Lauderdale, this small town set the vibe for our spring break, as did this amazing hotel, which not only gave us easy access to the walkable downtown but placed us right on the sands of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach. In fact, the beach is such an overarching theme here that they not only lid out loungers for us to soak in the sun, sand, and sea, but they even had a bar right on the sand! On the beach, we’d play beach cornhole and swim before lounging on the daybeds and ordering drinks and food right there. It was undoubtedly the highlight of our spring break.

The rest of the hotel is no less impressive, including the other two restaurants. Between the three of them, they served everything from breakfast to dinner, so we didn’t even have to step out of the resort for any food cravings. A 24-hour fitness center and a variety of water activities on offer complete the amenities here. But we aren’t done, are we? The spacious ocean-view rooms were sublime, especially since we also had the choice of adults-only bungalows. They were sort of hotel-within-a-hotel, complete with a private pool – and no kids allowed!

W Fort Lauderdale

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Best party hotel. W Fort Lauderdale is one of the absolute best Fort Lauderdale spring break hotels for more reasons than one. For sweeping views coupled with an amazing party scene, nothing beats this W outpost. In true W style, the hotel boasted a decidedly party vibe but without descending into chaos. We were thrilled to see that the parties that took place on the infinity pool “Wet” deck boasted a decidedly upscale crowd. It was absolutely fun to vibe in the cool environment, with DJs spinning tunes and freely flowing drinks from the pool bar. Even then, the poolside soirees here are now about laidback luxury rather than wild outings. That’s why it’s one of the best hotel pools in Fort Lauderdale.

Pool time was followed by some time at the Away Spa, which was again followed by a feast at Steak 54 and some of the best margaritas on Fort Lauderdale Beach at onsite restaurant El Vez.

Like other W outposts, the rooms and suites at W are divided into categories called Wonderful, Spectacular, Fabulous, and Fantastic—well, the list goes on to include nine such divisions. Our terraced ocean-facing balcony made even the smaller, entry-level rooms feel like penthouses. What’s more, they all came with floor-to-ceiling windows, flatscreen TVs, iPod docking stations, and luxe bathrooms with Away Spa bath products.

The Pillars Hotel and Club

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The Pillars Hotel and Club didn’t feel like a hotel; it felt like an opulent, turn-of-the-20th-century beach retreat of some gilded-age millionaire. Set on the Intracoastal, this small and exclusive hotel served as the perfect place to enjoy a tranquil and exclusive spring break. It sits in an old Caribbean Colonial home, a setup that gave the hotel a luxurious and bespoke community vibe. A bunch of rooms look out to the stone pool deck with a kidney-shaped pool, tropical foliage, and palm trees. With a quintessential Beverly Hills vibe, it’s where we’d be lounging most of the time, soaking up the Floridian sun. It would usually be followed by impromptu drinks at the Secret Garden Dining Club, which also served delicious breakfasts and seafood dinners.

“Staying at Pillars was the perfect spring break scene – without the scene.”

WOW Travel

Afternoons were usually spent in the library, sipping wine or coffee while being surrounded by books. Finally, the Intracoastal location even allowed us to use boat charters to pick us up directly from the property. Did you know that there was even a private water bus stop on the property? Yes!

Although the rooms and suites here boast slightly different floorplans and décor, they all have plush beds, Nespresso machines, microwaves, wet bars, and spacious bathrooms with Molton Brown products.

Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

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The Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach has one of the best locations of all hotels on this list. It sits at the southern end of Fort Lauderdale, straddling the Intracoastal and the Atlantic Ocean. So, our spring break couldn’t get any better, as we enjoyed the best of both worlds! What was even better was that it had identical rooms in both its tower and marina building, with the tower ones offering the better views. Despite being on the small side, the close quarters were very well-furnished with warm accents, coffeemakers, fridges, and microwaves.

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That said, the amenities here were excellent, especially the outdoor pool that offered direct views of the 250-slip marina, where many annual international boating events take place. The rest of the time, including when we were here, we found most year-round boat and snorkeling outfitters right on the marina and even a water taxi stop. Thanks to the Breezes tavern, we enjoyed all meals right on the property, while the poolside one was where we’d order our cocktails and finger food. Did you know we could even hire jet skis to explore the waters and bicycles to explore the land? What could be better? We’ll tell you – the resort had a private walkway to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Sigh.

Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

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You don’t want to miss the sweeping panoramic view from the 6th-floor Sky Deck at the all-suite Conrad Fort Lauderdale. has been hailed as the “new beacon of luxury” on Fort Lauderdale’s exclusive North Beach. After all, it is one of the best beachfront hotels in Fort Lauderdale, sitting on the most desirable stretch of the beach, no less. The Conrad has all the hallmarks of a grandiose luxury hotel – think artful chandeliers, double-height ceilings, and gleaming marble floors. We loved the personable service that made our spring break so special, especially the special concierge program that offered customized, offbeat itineraries.

The elevated swimming pool was the highlight of our stay, where we’d swim and lounge, followed by a massage and treatment at the luxurious spa. In fact, wellness is a top priority here, with the spa featuring everything from steam rooms to ocean-inspired lavish treatments, like the 2-hour ‘Transcend into the Spirit of the Seas.’ A state-of-the-art fitness center, fitness and yoga classes, and two restaurants that serve everything from breakfasts to dinners.

We had the choice of a variety of rooms, ranging from studios and multi-bedroom apartments to even poolfront duplexes. The larger suites, where we were, even had living rooms, Italian marble bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs, and balconies. So, every amenity—and moment—was larger than life. That’s why it’s also one of the best luxury hotels in Fort Lauderdale.

The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale

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Best overall. The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale is a contemporary take on the classic brand elegance, with an indulgent and slow vibe that’s decidedly Floridian. While the bustling highway A1A separated the Ritz from the beach, the handy pedestrian bridge allowed us to easily get to the beach without any worries. We were welcomed warmly into the gleaming, orchid-accented lobby, which also has a real estate office, a pool table, and boutique shops. 

The sheer scale and variety of amenities at this Ritz-Carlton outpost blew our minds. The seventh-floor infinity pool with a dedicated F&B service from the poolside bar was our favorite, no doubt. We followed up pool time with a visit to the ocean-themed spa, which also has a fabulous spa, “Happy Hour,” with cocktail-inspired treatments. While the Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits is the only restaurant, the food is absolutely delicious, along with magnificent waterfront views. A fitness center and access to the membership-only Grande Oaks Golf Course round up the amenities here.

All rooms and suites boasted a restful vibe, accentuated by floor-to-ceiling door windows, marble bathrooms with bathtubs, plush robes, stocked refreshment cabinets, and even honor bars. What’s more, the view choices include Intracoastal Waterway, Partial Ocean, and Oceanfront views. Plus, all rooms boast furnished balconies. Our corner oceanfront room was the pinnacle of luxury, with a wraparound balcony that offered twice as big a view.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all the stays for spring break in Fort Lauderdale, here is a specialized list to help you choose.

• Best resort with beach access: Pelican Grand Beach Resort
• Best adults-only: Plunge Beach Resort
• Best party hotel: W Fort Lauderdale
• Best overall: The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale

Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale?

Famous as the ‘Venice of the US’ due to its sparkling waters and sandy beaches, Ft. Lauderdale has many diverse neighborhoods. So, we decided to look at the top things to do in Fort Lauderdale to see what interested us the most to zero in on a neighborhood. Firstly, there’s the Fort Lauderdale beach area, which we highly recommend for those who are first-time visitors and even couples and families. The southern end is home to the impressive Sebastian Street Beach, which happens to be one the world’s best gay beaches, making it great for LGBTQ travelers.

Secondly, there’s the budget-friendly Hollywood Beach south of the city, which brims with mid-range bars, restaurants, B&Bs, and hotels. We also wanted to delve into the nightlife, that’s why we headed to Las Olas, which is home to many amazing pubs and historical sights and attractions. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, the local-vibed LGBTQ neighborhood of Wilton Manors is perfect, as it’s close to the beach, too. Finally, there’s Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, which retains its small-time charm.

Did you know that Miami and its many things to do are just half an hour south of Fort Lauderdale? Yes!

Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Fort Lauderdale:

• Southport Raw Bar: This Fort Lauderdale stalwart has been serving local seafood classics like clams and Old Bay shrimp for 50 years now. After a recent facelift, this waterfront haunt boasts an updated exterior and even has a full liquor bar. However, it still has that Old Florida ambiance and an on-point menu. Make sure you end your meal with sweet Bimini Bread as a side.
• Milk Money Bar and Kitchen: This was our local hangout for weeknight drinks thanks to its impressive daily happy hour specials, including USD 5 microbrews on Mondays and a shot of the bartender’s choice for USD 3 on Fridays. The food is also complemented by burgers, chicken wings, pork belly banh mi, short ribs with coconut-infused rice, etc. 

Recommended Activities in Fort Lauderdale:

• Ft. Lauderdale Party Boat Tour to the Sandbar with Tunes: Since we were here on spring break, we thought, why not party Ft. Lauderdale style? We boarded this premier party boat to get out and have some fun in the Florida sun by heading to the local sandbar. But that’s not all; we got to dance to some amazing DJ tunes blasting from the sound system while on the tour.
• The Everglades 1-Hour Airboat Night Tour: We experienced the Everglades in all its nighttime glory on this superb 60-minute nighttime tour. The idea was to see the incredible American alligator, one of the earth’s oldest predators, which we did as we glided through the waterways.