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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.
This colossal 39-story, contemporary, multitower resort property sits on a 50,000-square-foot swath of Hollywood Beach and has become a destination for fun in the sun and culinary intrigue. There are about 7 bars and 10 restaurants on property, and all are excellent. There are two pools, cabanas, a kids' play area, plenty of water sports, and an oceanfront spa.
Beaming with LED light shows that can be seen from miles away, this prominent 450-foot guitar-shaped hotel is a magnet for folks looking for Las Vegas–style entertainment (i.e., casinos that never close, clubbing, and hedonism). The newest addition to the Seminole Hard Rock Casino is outfitted with floor-to-ceiling glass panes and high-tech sound systems (and soundproofing) in each room. A large casino is just part of the story here. The Hard Rock Live presents nightly music, concerts, and shows by the top performers in the world. The 4½-acre pool complex comes replete with a jaw-dropping waterslide and a Vegas-style nightclub/dayclub, DAER. The resort features 14 restaurants ranging from the memorabilia-centric Hard Rock Cafe (wings and burgers) to Kuro, an excellent, upscale Japanese eatery.
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.
The sprawling family-friendly Lago Mar retains its sparkle and authentic Florida feel thanks to committed owners. Brilliantly colored bougainvillea edges the swimming lagoon, and guests get direct access to a 500-foot private beach in an exclusive neighborhood. Most accommodations are spacious suites with sofas and kitchens, making them ideal for families.
Inspired by legendary singer Jimmy Buffett's lifelong search for paradise, this tropical resort is at once accessible and upscale, with an attention to detail that sets it apart from many of its neighbors. It's a utopia for families, thanks to the FlowRider Double surfing simulator, waterslide, and beach activities. But the adults-only poolscape on the roof provides a respite from all parental responsibilities. The bright, airy, and tropical decor evokes a Key West feel, and the entertainment options showcase local talent across the property's hip venues.
This bright yellow Key West–style Noble House property fuses a heritage seaside charm with understated luxury. Plus, it has Fort Lauderdale's only lazy river! More than three-quarters of the guest rooms are spacious suites, each with a separate living room area. The penthouse is out-of-control gorgeous. Pelican's beachfront is considered private, which enables the resort to offer full-service food and drink on the sand. The serene veranda extends to the edges of the property and has plenty of rocking chairs for gazing at the ocean and enjoying the breeze.
