Large outdoor pool and terrace at Element Fort Lauderdale Downtown.
Courtesy: Booking.comElement Fort Lauderdale Downtown
Courtesy: Booking.com

The 12 best hotels in Fort Lauderdale for a weekend getaway

The best hotels in Fort Lauderdale range from beachfront abodes to all-suite hotels with plenty of room to spread out

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One of the most daunting parts of planning a vacation or staycation is deciding where to stay. After all, you need to think about price, amenities, location, and more. You are supposed to be relaxing! While there are dozens of hotels around the greater Fort Lauderdale area, some of the best hotels are just steps away from the beach, and one is even shaped like a giant guitar. A day in the Venice of America is all about time spent at the sandy beachestop-notch restaurants, and exploring the things to do, and ends with you jumping into a cozy hotel bed as you gaze out the window to the ocean waves.

There are plenty of hotels with waterfront views, mermaid shows, and luxury facilities to choose from in the area. Some resorts even have rooftop pools and award-winning restaurants. No matter what type of hotel you’re looking for or what your budget is, there’s something for everyone here.

Updated August 2024: Incoming, we've spruced up this list with not one, but two new irresistible stays: The Westin and Element Fort Lauderdale.

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Best Fort Lauderdale Hotels

1. Windjammer Resort and Beach Club

This stunning resort by the sea of Fort Lauderdale is the perfect getaway. Windjammer Resort presents seafront apartments that offer a kitchenette with a coffee maker, cable TV, and a seating area – some even come with an ocean view! As for the hotel amenities, there are two indoor heated pools, free on-site bicycles to use locally, and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. This is beach living at its finest. Soak up the sun and enjoy. 

The mood? Sunbathe o'clock.
Location perks? Just a short few steps from the resort you'll find a number of delicious restaurant options and boutiques. Or if you fancy hitting the water, this is a great spot for diving and snorkelling. 
Budget range? Decently priced rates for the ideal family vacation. 

One of the most unique hotels in Fort Lauderdale (and the whole world) is The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Hotel and Casino. The all-glass hotel has 638 rooms, with the smallest being the large 520-square-foot Deluxe King room. Guests can explore 19 restaurants, 20 bars, a concert venue, a comedy club, a nightclub, a mall, a casino, and more while staying at the resort complex. One unique thing about this hotel is that guests can learn how to play the guitar by borrowing one of the resort’s axes and learning through an audio headset focused on basic playing. Rock star education and a great night's sleep? Count us in.

The mood? Rock 'n' roll bling. 
Location perks? Guitar Hotel is no ordinary stay with its stunning panoramas overlooking the Southern Florida skyline accompanied by a spectacular LED light and music display at night.
Budget range? An extravagant rock 'n' roll stay. 

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Travelers looking for a unique place to stay on a budget will love B Ocean Resort. The historic beachfront resort dates back to 1956 and has maintained its 1950s kitschy vibes. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to catch the family-friendly mermaid show or snag a reservation for the mermaid and mimosa-filled brunch. The entertainment is best enjoyed through the portholes of B’s Wreck Bar. Around the resort, you’ll find original artwork that can be purchased, with a portion of the proceeds going to local sea turtle conservation.

The mood? Beach-chic. 
Location perks? You'll get exclusive guest access to a private stretch of Fort Lauderdale Beach, kitted out with sun-loungers and a beachside restaurant. 
Budget range? A week-long in paradise for a decent price.

The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale is a 24-story hotel that is modeled after an Art Deco ocean liner and influenced by the city’s yachting culture. Burlock Coast, the hotel's prohibition-style restaurant, serves dishes made with locally caught seafood and grown produce. The pool deck on the seventh floor has everything you could imagine for a splash-heavy day, including an infinity pool, poolside service, and cabanas. The oceanfront resort also has a full-service spa and immaculate rooms to relax in.

The mood? Bright, elegant and airy. 
Location perks? When you're in need of a little sunshine top-up, this glamorous spot is the perfect destination for your weekend trip. Enjoy ocean-view dinners, pot a hole-in-one at Grande Oaks Golf Club, or unwind at the spa. 
Budget range? Moderately priced for an ultra-relaxing, luxurious stay.  

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Looking for an extended stay or going on a family vacation? You will love Conrad Fort Lauderdale. The all-suite oceanfront resort is known for its onsite restaurant Takato, with its Japanese-Korean fusion menu, immaculately run by executive chef Taek Lee. Each of the rooms at the Conrad features a furnished balcony to relax and take in the views and a small kitchen where you can prepare meals or snacks to take down to the beach with you.

The mood? Views ripped from a postcard. 
Location perks? Enjoy spacious rooms and suites just moments away from Noth Beach 
Budget range? Suitably priced for two or more.

The Pillars is the place to be since it’s just a short walk to both the beach and the Fort Lauderdale nightlife. The boutique property has 28 rooms and suites, most of which face some sort of water, whether it be the glittering pool or the waters of the Intracoastal. Each morning you can start your day with complimentary parking before heading to the private water taxi stop. If you plan on driving your own car or a rental car to the hotel, parking is free for guests.

The mood? A touch of sophistication. 
Location perks? Couples can enjoy an intimate dining experience at The Secret Garden Dining Club where you'll have exclusive access to a range of monthly events like wine pairing dinners, happy hour and international banquets. 
Budget range? No eyewatering price tag. 

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7. Hyatt Centric Las Olas

The Hyatt Centric on Las Olas Boulevard is a hotel devoted making sure you have fun – which makes it the perfect spot to book for an impromptu weekend vaycay. Situated bang in the middle of Fort Lauderdale, the Hyatt Centric has siphoned off some boutique-worthy twists while maintaining the sleek feel of a larger hotel. Most of our time spent here would be dedicated to the rooftop pool and, while we’re at it, the ELEV8 Pool Bar just alongside. Head up to the eighth floor and immerse yourself in views of nearby skyscrapers while sampling the signature craft cocktail menu.  

The mood? Boutique-y on a bigger scale.
Location perks? A genuine downtown gem which will leave you wanting for nothing
Budget range? Midrange prices you won’t regret paying, given the quality.

The Dalmar Fort Lauderdale is a modern retreat filled with tropical touches. In the lobby, you’ll find a trendy Moet champagne vending machine, along with communal tables and a marble bar. Each of the rooms faces either the ocean or the skyline of downtown Fort Lauderdale and some rooms have attached balconies. The resort rooftop boasts a stunning infinity pool and a 1960s-style lounge called Sparrow, where you can enjoy happy hour with a view.

The mood? Urban-chic at its best. 
Location perks? Shrug off the weekday slog at one of the classiest spots in town where you can sip a cocktail by the pool, take a stretch break at the Yoga Joint, or refuel (no doubt after some rooftop shenanigans) at the coffee bar.
Budget range? Enjoy city or skyline views for a decent price. 

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The oceanfront escape of Royal Blues Hotel in Deerfield Beach is worth the splurge, especially since it’s the only Relais and Chateaux hotel in Florida. The art-driven hotel brings together modern seaside style and 1960s Americana in an elevated and unexpected way. In each room, you’ll find modern amenities like digital blackout blinds, Japanese-style bidets, and digital temperature-controlled showers. Dining is an incredible experience at both the lounge and full-service restaurant, where the chefs focus on local ingredients while ensuring that the final result passes the eye test.

The mood? Coastal elegance. 
Location perks? Enjoy the South Coast your way whether down at the beach, over by the pool or at the fitness centre. Guests can also look forward to a complimentary toast on arrival.
Budget range? For those who want a taste of the finer things and don't mind making a splash. 

Travelers looking for a party vibe at their hotel should look no further than the W Fort Lauderdale. Each of the rooms at the resort has floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies that allow you to take in the views of the waterways, ocean, and downtown Fort Lauderdale. The lobby bar, Living Room, is a good spot for people-watching and enjoying a drink after a day in the sun. The resort also boasts two infinity pools, and a full-service spa, and is pet-friendly.

The mood? A glass fortress on the outside, beachy and elegant on the inside. 
Location perks? What better way to take in the Intracoastal than on a private cruise arranged by the hotel? It's the yachting capital after all. 
Budget range? A luxury stay that won't break the bank. Phew. 

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