We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Destinations The Best Hotels in Fort Lauderdale This Florida city is home to numerous editor-favorite and award-winning hotels. By Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a freelance writer with over eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on June 12, 2024 Photo: Courtesy of Pelican Grand Beach Resort South Florida is popular for travelers seeking warm weather, relaxation, and dynamic restaurant, bar, and cultural scenes. The cities, beach towns, and communities that make up the region, however, all come with their own unique identities and reasons to visit. Take Fort Lauderdale, for example. Thanks to its impressive system of canals and dedication to yachting culture, it’s been deemed the “Venice of America.” It’s also a destination commonly associated with spring break and cruise ships; in fact, Port Everglades is one of the largest cruise ports in the world. Given its significant role in the world of tourism, Fort Lauderdale is, unsurprisingly, home to a roster of top-tier hotels — many of which come with beachfront access, rooftop bars, and unforgettable culinary experiences. Combining my firsthand experience in the city with editor-loved properties and winners from T+L’s prestigious World’s Best Awards and It List, I’ve rounded up a list of the very best hotels in Fort Lauderdale. Here’s where to stay on your next trip to this part of the Sunshine State. Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like Evelyn’s is one of the best dining experiences in Fort Lauderdale; Chef Brandon Salomon’s menu is thoughtful, fresh, and complementary to the beachfront setting. What to Consider The pool deck located on the third floor is more lively than oasis-like — though it’s still ideal for hot, humid summer days. There’s an elegance to the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, an It List 2023 winner, that isn’t easily found in the rest of the city. You notice it the second you walk into the small yet glamorous lobby, and it makes an appearance around every corner, from the bar at MAASS (I recommended the “Gertrude” espresso martini) to the excellent poolside service, private balconies, and grab-and-go coffee bar, Honey Fitz. Similar to other scaled-down Four Seasons properties (189 total rooms), the Fort Lauderdale outpost provides an intimate setting where guests feel cared for and noticed throughout their stay — but it’s not overwhelming or invasive. Instead, it’s clear the staff members are passionate about bringing a bit of calm and care to the hotel’s visitors, whether it’s making sure their daily smoothie is to their liking or altering their lounge chair setup to avoid the powerful Florida sun. The Details: Location: Fort Lauderdale BeachDistance From Airport: 7 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)Accessibility: Accessible rooms are available; the pool also has wheelchair accessParking: Valet parking availableResort Fee: $49 per room, per nightPet Policy: Two pets, each weighing under 25 pounds, are allowed with a non-refundable pet fee of $100Rates: Start at $353 per night “The hotel occupies a bright white 22-story tower on Beach Boulevard — its design, by architect Kobi Karp, is reminiscent of the yachts that make this one of the country’s boating capitals. Its 189 rooms and suites, with interiors by Tara Bernerd, nod to that nautical nostalgia with lacquered wood that calls to mind the sleek detailing on a Riva yacht. For the restaurant, Swedish design star Martin Brudnizki (whose studio also envisioned the outdoor spaces) made use of linens, sea grass, and marine colors that complement the dining room’s ocean vistas.” –Hannah Walhout, Senior Editor The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale Courtesy of Marriott Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like The full-service spa feels like a secret world, and its therapists are highly skilled; my deep-tissue massage was one of the best I’ve ever had. What to Consider The WiFi tended to go in and out for me, and I needed to use my phone hotspot for video calls. If you’re checking into a Ritz-Carlton property, there’s a level of standardized excellence you expect — and The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale doesn’t fall flat in that capacity. The spacious lobby is your first indication that this is a hotel where you can choose your own adventure. Upon check-in, you’ll be notified of the perks and amenities that come along with your room key: beach chairs and an umbrella, access to the pool, and even complimentary water taxi passes, which allow you to see the city in a whole new way. Those who want to eat on property will be directed to “restaurant-café-market-bar” Burlock Coast or the Poolside Café. Both menus offer a mix of elevated favorites with good old-fashioned comfort food. On a day when you’re feeling particularly indulgent, the Bootleg Burger or Cowboy Steak, paired with a well-mixed cocktail, will certainly hit the spot. The Details: Location: Central BeachDistance From Airport: 6.2 miles from FLLAccessibility: Accessible rooms and accessible routes into public entrances availableParking: Valet parking, $59 per dayLoyalty Programs: Marriott BonvoyResort Fee: $48 per room, per nightPet Policy: Two pets, each weighing under 25 pounds, are allowed with a non-refundable pet fee of $150Rates: Start at $358 per night W Fort Lauderdale Courtesy of Marriott Book Now Also available to book at Kayak.com What We Like There are multiple dining options — ranging from a classic steakhouse to more casual Mexican restaurant, El Vez. What to Consider The bathrooms could use an update. There’s old-school luxury, and then there’s the W brand. At W Fort Lauderdale, a cool, upbeat nature is paired with thoughtful, well-appointed amenities and guest rooms. It’s a beachfront getaway that manages to serve multiple purposes and types of guests. One of its main attractions, the WET Deck pool, is the type of place where you can start your weekend a little early on a lounger with a frozen drink in hand. If you’re in the area on business (like I was), you can feel confident in the hotel’s various places to work, whether it’s on your room’s balcony or in the Living Room, the spacious bar and social area on the fourth floor. The hotel’s location also allows guests an easy way to get in some beach time and explore the neighborhood. Before it gets too hot during the day, rent one of the property’s bikes and make your way to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, just about a mile away. The Details: Location: Fort Lauderdale BeachDistance From Airport: 7.2 miles from FLLAccessibility: Accessible rooms and accessible routes into public entrances availableParking: On-site and valet parking, $55 per dayLoyalty Programs: Marriott BonvoyResort Fee: $40 per room, per nightPet Policy: Two pets under 45 pounds with non-refundable fees of $25 per night and $100 per stayRates: Start at $202 per night Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Courtesy of Hilton Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com What We Like You won’t find softer hotel sheets in any other luxury hotel. What to Consider It feels more like a hotel you’d stay at on business; during my stay, there were several corporate groups utilizing the hotel's spaces and amenities. Every room at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach is a suite, complete with small kitchens, balconies, and some of the best hotel beds I’ve ever slept in. This is the type of hotel where you regret only booking for a night or two, especially if your plans include leaving the property. That’s because the accommodations are just as appealing as the pool deck, the spa, the gym (where you’ll find Peloton bikes), and, especially, the beach chairs. The shoreline is just steps from the hotel, and the resort fee includes two beach chairs and an umbrella. Before and after parking yourself by the ocean for the majority of the day, you may want to participate in the hotel’s sunrise yoga classes or take advantage of the 2-hour bike rentals (also included with the resort fee). Come dinnertime, a table at Takato will be calling your name, and nothing beats a sushi meal after a day in the sun. The Details: Location: Fort Lauderdale BeachDistance From Airport: 6.7 miles from FLLAccessibility: Accessible rooms and accessible routes into public entrances availableParking: Valet, $58 plus tax per dayLoyalty Programs: Hilton HonorsResort Fee: $40 per room, per nightPet Policy: Service animals onlyRates: Start at $297 per night Pelican Grand Beach Resort Courtesy of Pelican Grand Beach Resort Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com What We Like Family-friendly amenities, like a lazy river and ice cream parlor, create a resort experience perfect for travelers of all ages. What to Consider Consider another hotel if you want something with a trendier, buzzier atmosphere. Featured in our World’s Best Awards in 2022 and 2023, Pelican Grand Beach Resort is one of the few Fort Lauderdale hotels located directly on the beach (most are separated by a main thoroughfare). This unparalleled ocean access, paired with the only lazy river in the city, puts the 157-room resort in a league of its own — and gives it a more relaxed feeling than some of its rivals. The aforementioned lazy river and a zero-entry swimming pool are certainly highlights for most guests, especially in the summer, though the rooftop spa and dining options aren’t far behind. After all, there’s nothing like a relaxing treatment at Swedish-inspired PURE Spa to get you in vacation mode. There are only two restaurants at the resort, seafood-focused OCEAN2000 and cocktail bar O2K Lounge, but there’s also an ice cream parlor: nightly stops at The Emporium are nothing less than delightful. The Details: Location: East Fort LauderdaleDistance From Airport: 8.4 miles from FLLAccessibility: Accessible rooms are availableParking: Valet parking, $48 plus taxes per nightResort Fee: $50 plus tax per day, per roomPet Policy: Service animals onlyRates: Start at $183 per night Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club Courtesy of Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club Book Now Also available to book at Kayak.com What We Like You’ll come for the beach access, but you’ll stay for the lagoon pool, live entertainment, and restaurant lineup. What to Consider The guest rooms are decorated in a traditional style, which some travelers may not love. The state of Florida is jam-packed with resorts, but only a handful land a spot on our annual World’s Best Awards list. Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club is one of those high-performing few. It received top marks in 2021, and it’s continued to be a favorite among those craving a bit of family-friendly fun and sun. Whereas some resorts excel in one particular arena versus another, the 204-room institution (it’s been owned and operated by the same family for 60 years) performs well in all areas. It has more than 500 feet of private beach, plus a 9,000-square-foot lagoon-style swimming pool, and plenty of cabanas and lounge chairs to go around. Other entertainment options include beach volleyball, pickleball, a putting course, and four tennis courts. Dining choices are also plentiful, and, unlike many other hotels in the city, they’re only open to guests and members of Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club. The Details: Location: Harbor BeachDistance From Airport: 5 miles from FLLAccessibility: ADA-accessible rooms and suites are availableParking: Free valet and self-parkingResort Fee: NonePet Policy: Pets aren’t allowedRates: Start at $249 per night Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale Courtesy of Hyatt Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com What We Like The rooftop pool provides a moment of calm and relaxation in downtown Fort Lauderdale. What to Consider It’s about a 10-minute drive from the beach. Not all visits to Fort Lauderdale leave time for surf and sand; some trips are for business. If that’s the case, and your work requires you to be downtown, Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale is one of your best options. Everything about the 238-room property feels clean and cared for; the decor is modern, albeit with a touch of nautical fun, and the rooms are also as well-appointed as they need to be. The real standouts of the hotel, though, are the city views from the guest room balconies, the rooftop pool, and the fun dining concept located on the ninth floor. Aptly named Room Nine01, this reservations-only speakeasy (housed inside a repurposed guestroom) is a one-of-a-kind experience for both hotel guests and anyone in need of a unique date night in town. Like the rest of the Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale, it’s cute, original, and unexpectedly fun. The Details: Location: Downtown Fort LauderdaleDistance From Airport: 4.5 miles from FLLAccessibility: Accessible guest rooms and amenitiesParking: Valet Parking from $38 per night, parking day rates from $18Loyalty Programs: World of HyattResort Fee: $22 plus tax per nightPet Policy: $75 per pet per stay, must be under 50 poundsRates: Start at $129 per night Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort Book Now Also available to book at Kayak.com What We Like Nightly rates tend to be more affordable than some of the neighboring properties. What to Consider There’s no real personality to the hotel; you’re here for the beach access and standard Hilton amenities. Not all hotel experiences need to be completely original. Sometimes, travelers are just searching for a light, airy room to stay in — perhaps one booked with Hilton Honors points — and a facility with beach and pool access. If that’s the case, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort may be right up your alley. The oceanfront hotel overlooks the blue waters off of Fort Lauderdale Beach, giving many of the rooms the type of views you’d expect from a Florida getaway. I’d suggest booking this one for a long weekend, no more than two or three nights, giving you enough time to enjoy the wraparound deck, the outdoor pool, and maybe even a treatment at the full-service spa. For exercise, there's an on-site fitness center, or you can stroll along N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, admiring the palm trees and sandy stretches along the way. The Details: Location: Central BeachDistance From Airport: 6.6 miles from FLLAccessibility: Accessible guest roomsParking: Valet parking, $58 per nightLoyalty Programs: Hilton HonorsResort Fee: $45 per nightPet Policy: Pets not allowedRates: Start at $234 per night The Pillars Hotel & Club Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like Yacht-spotting on the Intracoastal Waterway is an entertaining way to pass the time here. What to Consider The standard guest rooms and bathrooms tend to run on the smaller side. The Pillars Hotel & Club may not have beachfront access, but its location on the Intracoastal Waterway is just as appealing to travelers seeking some R&R (and classic Fort Lauderdale scenes). With only 24 rooms and suites, this is one of the smaller high-end properties in the area, and it comes with an extra dose of charm. This is a place where you can finally catch up on your reading — maybe on one of the terraces — or sneak in a satisfying catnap while lounging by the courtyard pool. Other features that elevate The Pillars Hotel & Club include a private water taxi dock, a guest- and members-only dining experience, The Secret Garden restaurant. As a guest, you’re automatically granted “membership” during your stay, opening up a world of elegant dinners and cocktail hours. The Details: Location: East Fort LauderdaleDistance From Airport: 6.3 miles from FLLAccessibility: Accessible rooms available (although the property doesn’t have an elevator so some rooms may not be wheelchair accessible)Resort Fee: NonePet Policy: Pets not allowedRates: Start at $208 per night The Dalmar, Fort Lauderdale, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel Courtesy of The Dalmar, Fort Lauderdale Book Now Also available to book at Kayak.com and Hotels.com What We Like The dining options are plentiful and diverse. What to Consider There is no spa on-site. If your plans — perhaps a concert, cruise, or work event — bring you to downtown Fort Lauderdale, book a room at “lifestyle and design hotel” The Dalmar. Just a short walk from Las Olas Boulevard, the Tribute Portfolio Hotel is convenient for dining, shopping, and exploring the Riverwalk. You don’t necessarily have to leave the property to enjoy your time, though. The 209-room hotel also has a range of activities to keep you busy. The 100-foot heated rooftop infinity pool is only open to guests, and poolside bar and grill Sip ‘n Dip provides all of the essentials (sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, and frozen drinks). The dining options continue at Sparrow, an inside-outside dinner restaurant, Rose’s, a grab-and-go coffee spot, The Lobby Bar, and The Terrace Grill, a brunch and dinner space. The Details: Location: Victoria ParkDistance From Airport: 5.3 miles from FLLAccessibility: Accessible guest rooms, elevators, and self-operating lift at poolParking: Valet parking, $32 plus taxes per dayLoyalty Programs: Marriott BonvoyResort Fee: $25 per nightPet Policy: Maximum of two dogs up to 50 pounds with $100 feeRates: Start at $153 per night Know Before You Go Consider renting a car Depending on where you’re staying in Fort Lauderdale — and if you have plans to explore nearby towns and cities, like Miami — you may want to rent a car. There are certainly plenty of Ubers and Lyfts in the area (not to mention the Water Taxi), but you’ll save a bit of money if you don’t have to call a car each time you want to go somewhere that’s not within walking distance. Expect relatively warm temperatures year-round There’s never really a bad time to visit Fort Lauderdale, as the weather tends to veer on the warmer side, even in the winter. Although, it’s important to note that January temperatures usually average around 60 degrees, so this time of year isn’t totally ideal for tanning or swimming outdoors. There’s also a rainy season in Fort Lauderdale, which runs from May through October and aligns with hurricane season. Check the calendar before booking your trip Not only is Fort Lauderdale home to a large cruise port, but it’s also a city known for a variety of celebrations and holidays. If you want to avoid large crowds and higher prices, try to plan your trip over a time period that doesn’t coincide with some of the destination’s key events, like the Las Olas Wine & Food Festival, the Fort Lauderdale Air Show, or the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. How We Chose These Hotels Lydia Mansel is an East Coast-based writer who has spent nearly a decade professionally traveling to a variety of popular tropical vacation spots, with a particular focus on South Florida. When compiling this list of hotels, she paired her own first-person stays with editor recommendations and performance in the World’s Best Awards and It List to choose each property. As the selections were narrowed down further, she considered the hotels’ various amenities, interior decor, location, and other key features that affect the guest experience. As always, each hotel aligns with our T+L Hotel Values. Edited by Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel and accessories for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter. learn more