Known as the ‘Venice of America’ due to its extensive and expansive system of canals and waterways, Fort Lauderdale is a lovely place to vacation with lots of bridges, boats, and beaches. Once a popular spring break destination due to its golden sands and warm weather, it now attracts tourists and families, who come to enjoy its thriving culture, arts and entertainment scenes.
Lying on the Atlantic Ocean, the coastal city is an excellent alternative to Miami and West Palm Beach and boasts more than its fair share of luxury resorts and fantastic hotels. Whether they have their own private beach and spa or are ideally located for exploring Fort Lauderdale’s historic districts and RiverWalk, these are the best of what the Florida city has to offer.
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
Source: booking.comAn absolutely gorgeous hotel, The Ritz-Carlton lies right on the beachfront overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. As such, there are fabulous views to be enjoyed from its rooms’ floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies.
While its modern rooms are tastefully decorated, the five-star hotel’s public spaces are no less delightful, with elegant and opulent features wherever you look. Among its many highlights are a state-of-the-art spa and fitness centre, a brilliant bar and restaurant, and an infinity pool which looks across the ocean.
Location: Set right on the beach, The Ritz-Carlton is just a ten-minute drive from The Galleria, an upscale mall with lots of great shops and restaurants.
2. Pelican Grand Beach Resort, A Noble House Resort
Source: booking.comRecently renovated and refurbished, Pelican Grand Beach Resort is a wonderful place to stay that boasts direct beach access, an oceanfront pool, and phenomenal views over the Atlantic.
The four-star hotel’s beach-inspired rooms are clean and comfortable; each comes a flat-screen TV and private bathroom. In addition, it has an excellent on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and spa. Poolside cocktails are also available.
Location: The Pelican Grand Beach Resort is just a five-minute drive from the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, as well as lots of shops, restaurants, and bars.
3. Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach
Source: booking.comHighly-rated by guests, Sonesta is located right next to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Fort Lauderdale Beach, with glorious views of the park and ocean.
Featuring a modern and stylish design, its rooms and suites guarantee a delightful stay, as do its exquisite on-site restaurant, spa suite, and an outdoor pool. Besides this, the boutique-style hotel also has a fitness centre and business centre for guests to use.
Location: Just a stone’s throw away from the beach and park, the Sonesta is a two-minute drive from Bonnet House, with a number of shopping malls found nearby.
4. The Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club
Source: booking.comNestled between the Stranahan River and the Atlantic, The Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club is a very peaceful and relaxing place to stay, with 150 metres of private beach for you to enjoy.
Its spacious rooms and suites are cosy and clean, and four restaurants, two pools and a spa can be found on-site – alongside tennis and volleyball courts and a children’s playground.
Location: The Lago Mar is located on the beach just a five-minute drive from downtown Fort Lauderdale.
5. TRYP by Wyndham Maritime Fort Lauderdale
Source: booking.comA wildly popular four-star hotel, the TRYP by Wyndham Maritime is rated ‘fabulous’ by guests and has its own swimming pool, fitness centre and sun terrace.
Besides the rooms, which are clean and comfortable and boast flat-screen TVs and a private bathroom, there is also a great on-site restaurant and bar. The hotel is particularly noted for its friendly, welcoming, and helpful staff.
Location: TRYP lies right next to Yacht Haven Park Marina and is around a 15-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale Beach. Guests can make use of the hotel’s free airport shuttle service.
6. Riverside Hotel
Source: booking.comSet in a scenic spot overlooking New River, the aptly-named Riverside Hotel is a lovely place to stay that is highly rated for its location, staff, and facilities.
As well as two on-site restaurants, a swimming pool, and fitness centre, the four-star hotel also has numerous outdoor terraces. Its rooms are stylishly decorated with wonderful wooden furnishings.
Location: As it is located on Las Olas Boulevard, Riverside Hotel is perfectly placed for exploring Fort Lauderdale’s RiverWalk. There are plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance.
7. Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort
Source: booking.comA great four-star hotel and resort, Ocean Sky lies right next to the ocean and has a fantastic outdoor pool and tiki bar bordering the beach.
While the poolside area ranks highly among guests, its boutique style, warmly-decorated rooms, and friendly staff also draw plaudits. In addition, there is an on-site fitness centre, Jacuzzi, and a restaurant.
Location: Ocean Sky is a 15-minute drive from downtown Fort Lauderdale and all the city’s main sights.
8. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
Source: booking.comSet in a high-rise tower overlooking the beach and ocean, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort boasts lots of excellent facilities, as well as breathtakingly beautiful views. Besides its state-of-the-art fitness centre and pool, the resort also offers delicious cuisine, live music, and entertainment.
Stylish and spacious, its luxury suites each come with a balcony, kitchen, and seating area, and are equipped with flat-screen TVs and spa baths.
Location: Very centrally located, the Hilton is just a five-minute drive from all the shops and restaurants at Galleria Mall, with Bonnet House lying even closer by.
9. The Atlantic Hotel & Spa
Source: booking.comThis fabulous five-star hotel really does have it all – a beautiful beachfront location, a luxury spa, and spacious and stylish suites.
The Atlantic is one of the most high-end hotels in town. Guests can enjoy astounding views out over the ocean from their private balconies and the gorgeous outdoor pool. On top of all this, there is a well-equipped gym and a splendid restaurant and bar.
Location: Set in the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach, the Atlantic is just a short drive from lots of shops, restaurants, and tourist sights.
10. Plunge Beach Resort
Source: booking.comGiving off a very vintage and retro vibe, Plunge Beach Resort is a lovely place to stay that offers guests a classic Florida beachside holiday.
Bordered by the beach and gently waving palm trees, the hotel is as idyllic as they come; its bright and airy rooms are cheerful, cosy and clean. The resort can also arrange for guests to go snorkelling and scuba diving in the vicinity.
Location: Plunge Beach Resort is located in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, which is a 15-minute drive from downtown Fort Lauderdale. Guests can hire bikes for free to explore the local neighbourhood.
11. Marriott Fort Lauderdale North
Source: booking.comHighly rated by guests, the Marriott Fort Lauderdale North is a great four-star hotel with its own swimming pool, fitness centre, and outdoor hot tub.
Its sleek and modern rooms each come with their own flat-screen TV and private bathroom, while a brilliant bar and restaurant are also found on-site.
Location: While the hotel offers guests a free transfer to anywhere within a 3.2-kilometre radius, the centre of Fort Lauderdale and all its shops, restaurants, and tourist sights is around a 20-minute drive away.
12. B Ocean Resort
Source: booking.comA very popular resort, B Ocean lies right on Fort Lauderdale Beach and has a lovely laidback atmosphere. The location is ideal; the four-star hotel has its own private beach, as well as two swimming pools and lots of private cabanas.
Set in an iconic, historic building, the resort’s rooms are well-equipped with the latest amenities, and many boast superb views of the ocean. B Ocean is also noted for its friendly staff, and the mesmerising mermaid shows that take place each weekend.
Location: Perfectly placed for enjoying the beach and trying out fun watersports, B Ocean is a ten-minute drive from both the RiverWalk and Bonnet House.
13. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
Source: booking.comSet in a gorgeous spot overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, this excellent four-star hotel has its own magnificent marina, as well as countless other state-of-the-art amenities and accommodations.
The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina’s rooms are clean, comfortable, and spacious, and offer fantastic views of the surroundings. It also has a beautiful waterfront restaurant, a relaxing pool area, and a modern gym and fitness centre.
Location: The hotel is a ten-minute drive from all the shops and restaurants of Las Olas Boulevard, with beautiful beaches close by.
14. North Beach Hotel
Source: booking.comWith modern and clean rooms, a peaceful poolside area, and friendly and welcoming staff, North Beach Hotel certainly is a delightful place to stay.
The boutique four-star hotel is just minutes away from the beach and has a great restaurant and bar for guests to try out. In addition, it also has its own hot tub and barbecue facilities.
Location: North Beach Hotel is just a couple of minutes’ drive from Bonnet House, the Gateway Shopping Center and Galleria Mall.
15. The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
Source: booking.comLocated in two high-rise buildings that offer guests direct beach access via a skywalk, The Westin has everything you could ever want for a relaxing beach holiday.
The four-star resort’s light and breezy decor is very calm and soothing, with spacious and clean rooms and suites. Its outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre are both fabulous, as are its restaurant and bar. One of the main highlights is the large and luxurious spa, which offers massages, treatments, and wellcare packages.
Location: The Westin is ideally placed for enjoying Fort Lauderdale Beach. It’s just a short drive to a range of shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions.