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A collection of relatively young luxury beachfront hotels—the Atlantic Hotel & Spa, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, the Ritz-Carlton, the W, the Westin—that opened within the last decade are welcoming newcomers to the "Luxe Lauderdale" corridor. Seriously sophisticated places to stay include The Conrad, Four Seasons, and The Gale, while smaller retro spots are disappearing. You can also find hotel chains along the Intracoastal Waterway. If you want to be on the beach, be sure to ask when booking your room as many hotels on the inland waterways or on A1A advertise "waterfront" accommodations.
Quietly tucked away on the beach, this seaside getaway has four buildings that offer standard rooms, studios, and bungalow suites with kitchenettes and dining areas. The expansive retro-theme lobby doubles as an art gallery featuring rotating work by local artists and a coffee and gelato shop; the space is often used for open mic or karaoke nights. Consider staying in the bungalow building for access to a quieter, private pool and glorious ocean views, especially at sunrise.
In addition to a relaxing spa, a restaurant, and a sleek fifth-floor pool overlooking the Atlantic, this towering oceanfront hotel has fantastic views of the ocean from its beds (unless, of course, you select a city view). Interiors are slightly dated, but the en suite kitchenette and oversized floor plan are great for longer stays. You can also bring dogs up to 60 pounds with you, a rare find in Fort Lauderdale.
Located inside Fort Lauderdale's tallest skyscraper and featuring views of the city, neighboring Bubier Park, and the Riverwalk, this nautical-chic hotel has an eighth-floor pool complete with cozy indoor-outdoor cabanas. The property also boasts a Tesla house car available for drop-offs within two miles of the hotel.
Fort Lauderdale's trendiest hotel has a glamorous poolscape, ubermodern rooms and suites, and dramatic views from every direction. It's home to not just one, but two Stephen Starr restaurants serving high-end steaks and seafood or authentic Mexican fare. It's also the most pet-friendly hotel in town. Guests are welcome to bring two of their four-legged friends weighing up to 40 pounds.
