Despite all the shops, bars, and restaurants making it an endlessly popular spot, hotels in Downtown Fort Lauderdale remain surprisingly good value. Most offer mid-range accommodation, where you can expect to find WiFi and fitness facilities, and some have outdoor pools – perfect for basking in the Florida sunshine.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Yachts bob up and down on the crystal Atlantic waters, couples stroll hand-in-hand along the esplanade, and families frolic on the soft sand while palms hang languidly over everything. This is Fort Lauderdale Beach – just at the edge of Downtown – and the place where sunny, Florida vacations take shape. If you like a mix of beach fun and city center high life during your downtime, this is the spot for you.
Hotels in Fort Lauderdale Beach
Unsurprisingly, this is where most of the city’s vacationers stay to make the most of the sun-scorched coastline. Some of the accommodation is seriously high end, with swimming pools overlooking the sea, outdoor spa tubs, and indulgent massage treatments on offer. Even the smaller, cheaper pads often have their own pools as well as perks like free WiFi.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
A more quaint and less hectic experience awaits in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, where small town seaside charm lingers on. Located just north of Fort Lauderdale's central beach, it's a great place for families to spend time, and it's also a snorkeler's paradise thanks to its special "shipwreck snorkel trail", with natural and artificial reefs waiting to be discovered by underwater sightseers.
Hotels in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Hotels here – like the town itself – are altogether more down-to-earth than the ones down in Fort Lauderdale itself. The majority are 2 and 3-star inns offering smart, no-fuss guestrooms perfectly suited to families and couples alike, along with small on-site swimming pools and WiFi access to make you feel right at home.
Hollywood Beach
The epitome of old school Florida style, Hollywood Beach has attracted visitors since the 1920s and its long, golden promenade is still a huge draw today. Miles and miles of seafront are here to be enjoyed, with the beachside boulevard being the place to jog, cycle, or simply stroll under the shade of the palm trees. Meanwhile, urban explorers will relish the pastel-colored Art Deco buildings which scatter Hollywood’s downtown area.
Hotels in Hollywood Beach
There’s a wealth of hotels all along Hollywood Beach, including vast luxury outposts by major chains – expect poolside Tiki bars, balconies overlooking the frothing waters of the sea, and swanky restaurants. If you’re looking to save some cash, some smaller and more modest inns are also available just steps from the sands.
