Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Katrina
Fort Lauderdale used to be famous as the rowdy spring break capital of the United States. But over the years, its age demographic and flair for elegance has gently shifted. Today, the beach city on Florida’s southeastern coast now welcomes fun-loving singles but also families, cruise passengers, shoppers, and foodies. Here are five great beach hotels in Fort Lauderdale with easy access to the surf and sand.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort (2000 N. Ocean Blvd.; 954-622-8417) Dolphin Isles
Want to walk from your room right onto the sand? You’ll like this 156-room hotel a few blocks from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Timeout raves about the “Old Florida charm, private beach and pool and—everyone’s favorite—the only lazy river in Fort Lauderdale.” A Tripadvisor reviewer gives props to the rooms for being “immaculate, very comfortable,” and for nice amenities such as “big thirsty towels and great lotion, with lovely tropical fragrances. ” Families will love the resort’s club and everyone will love The Emporium, the ice cream parlor in the lobby. This 82-room boutique resort offers lodge-style coziness and a quiet getaway. Forbes also gives it props for its three-block distance from downtown and Heavenly Village, “as well as spacious rooms appointed with such comforts as rustic plaid rugs, comfy leather armchairs, and stone fireplaces.” >> Book this hotel for less
The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort (321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.; 954-467-1111) Central Beach
Many rooms in this 433-room Westin hotel offer Intracoastal Waterway or ocean views—and all have the beloved Westin Heavenly Beds. The rest of the resort boasts a spa, a white-sand beach, and easy access, via a skywalk, to the shops of Las Olas Boulevard. One Tripadvisor reviewer praises the comfy beds, but bemoans some perks one might expect at this price point: “There are no balconies, unlike all the other fancy hotels around.” A Google reviewer complains about some features not included in the resort fee: “It was surprising that we would have to pay extra for an umbrella on a very sunny day,” but loved the attentive service of staffer who “gave us recommendations when she found out that I was vegan. We spoke as if we were family.” >> Book this hotel for less
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort (505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.; 954-414-2222) Central Beach
Stay at this eco-certified, all-suites hotel if you want room to spread out and access to the shops and restaurants of Las Olas Boulevard, about one mile away. Suites have up to three bedrooms plus private balconies, and marble bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. One Googler reviewer says they got an “‘ocean view’ suite, but this is simply false advertising—you could only see the ocean if you were out on the balcony or from one tiny corner of one of the bedrooms.” A Tripadvisor user, meanwhile, liked the location—“right across the street from the beach and easy walking distance to other restaurants and bars. Also within walking distance to a water taxi stop.” >> Book this hotel for less
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach (551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.; 954-414-5100) Central Beach
This 290-room hotel offers loaners o two beach chairs, an umbrella, plus bicycles— streamlining any beach resort day. “Each unit features a furnished balcony (or terrace) and galley kitchen, making it a great choice for multigenerational travel and longer stays,” says Afar. “The resort also impresses with its strong support for small local businesses [such as] baked goods from Zak the Baker.” A Tripadvisor use loves that local convenience: “The location is perfect right next to the beach and walking distance to quality dining and entertainment. You don’t need to have a rental car, because everything you need is right here.” >> Book this hotel for less
Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale (1 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.; 954-465-2300) Sebastian Street Beach
Look closely at the exterior of this 24-story, 192-room Ritz-Carlton hotel and you can discern its inspiration: an art deco ocean liner. Travel+Leisure loves its “marble floors polished to a high sheen, glittery Art Deco chandeliers, white Frette linens—the vibe is sleek and airy.” On Google, some users felt that this was not the best Ritz-Carlton property. “My stay here was pleasant. There was nothing fancy about the room itself but there was an awesome ocean view. The service was great. Great location if you’re a beach person.” >> Book this hotel for less
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