Popular as a party hotspot, yachting hub and buzzing Florida beach destination, Fort Lauderdale is a great pick for a coastal holiday with family and friends. Accommodation options range from simple beach hotels to expansive luxury resorts, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Fort Lauderdale are right on the beach, but we do have a few favourites tucked in the heart of the city — perfect for partygoers.

Amble along the palm-lined promenade for excellent people-watching, pick a perch at a bustling café or kick back on the city’s seven miles of sand. There’s great surfing and swimming, as well as basketball and beach volleyball nearby. Out on the water, you’ll find opportunities to sail, fish and kayak, or to enjoy fun day-long trips. Fort Lauderdale is also known for its many canals, and day cruises are an intriguing way to catch a glimpse of the impressive mansions and mega yachts which line their banks.

Port Everglades has become one of the world’s busiest cruise ports, so Fort Lauderdale is bursting with world-class boutiques, bars, restaurants and clubs. You’ll find plenty of action around the Las Olas Riverfront. For more culture and history, stroll from Stranahan House to the Broward Centre for the Performing Arts on the Riverwalk, or visit the NSU Art Museum. Bonnet House is very special, as is the beautiful Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Outdoorsy types will adore admiring the flora and fauna as they explore.

Whatever has drawn you to coastal Florida, you’ll find plenty of choice in our list of the best places to stay in Fort Lauderdale.

The Best Places to Stay in Fort Lauderdale

For Great Value

• Plunge Beach Resort has a classic Florida feel, with retro interiors overlooking the beach at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Enjoy generously proportioned rooms, a seafood restaurant and a large pool. Very affordable. For families, couples or friends.
• The Aqua Hotel is a simple, modern spot just two minutes from the beach in Fort Lauderdale. With just 39 rooms, this is a much more intimate choice than many other hotels in the area. It's well-placed for exploring both the city and the coast. Families will appreciated the large suites and the two swimming pools. Great value.

For a Family Beach Break

• B Ocean Front Fort Lauderdale is a family-friendly favourite, with heaps of watersports, a big swimming pool, bicycles and direct beach access. Contemporary rooms are very flexible for families with little ones. The mermaid show is a highlight!
• The Atlantic Hotel & Spa offers an elevated pool, spa, gym and onsite restaurant, all facing a wonderful stretch of beach. Great for families, the hotel has comfortable rooms and suites with plenty of space for additional beds, and watersports for guests of all ages.
• Marriott Harbour Beach is a family-oriented resort on a striking quarter-mile of private beach. A spoiling choice for a seaside holiday, the hotel offers extensive watersports, a fantastic kids club, relaxed eateries and chic rooms with white and cream colour palettes. There are flexible options for families, tennis courts, a basketball court, swimming pool and spa. Paradise for families.
• High Noon Beach Resort is a low-key, family-run beach hotel just north of Fort Lauderdale. Spacious rooms with kitchenettes and private dining areas are ideal for families, who can also amble to the beach and cool off in two swimming pools.

For Grown-Ups

• W Fort Lauderdale is a sleek beach hotel with a hip, minimalist vibe. Think decadent bathrooms and slick guestrooms with glass doors leading onto large, sea-facing terraces. Close to the city's best nightlife, this is a great pick for couples or friends. The five eateries are fabulous, and the swimming pool is spectacular.
• Conrad Fort Lauderdale promises a stylish, all-suite experience in a luxury tower. Facing Fort Lauderdale Beach, the hotel boasts a delectable seafood restaurant, a large oval-shaped swimming pool, and white-on-white suites with kitchenettes, living areas and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Very cool for couples, friends or business travellers.
• The Pillars is a sophisticated small hotel on the banks of the Intercoastal Waterway. Expect classic interiors and grounds with colonnaded balconies, lush greenery and striped old-school sun loungers around the swimming pool. The Secret Garden dishes up mouth-watering plates of Mediterranean cuisine with an American flair. An intimate couples' haven.
• The Dalmar has a swish urban feel, well-suited to its location in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. Base yourself here for a lively city stay, complete with a trendy bar serving handcrafted cocktails, delicious cuisine at the bistro, a swimming pool and a rooftop terrace with panoramic city and sea views. For big nights and days out with friends.
• Elita Hotel sits between the city and the beach, with sleek white-on-white interiors, leafy gardens and a lovely swimming pool for refreshing dips. A small boutique choice for lovers of ultra-modern design, close to great bars and restaurants. Fun for couples or friends.

For Luxury

• Pelican Grand Beach Resort sits on its own stretch of private beach. Pick this place for an indulgent Fort Lauderdale escape, complete with a soothing spa, swimming pool and fun tubing river, as well as superb oceanfront fine dining. Guestrooms and suites are beautifully appointed, with marble bathrooms and private sea-facing balconies. Brilliant.
• The Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale has crisp, contemporary suites with expansive ocean views, fantastic gourmet dining options and an extensive spa. There's a swimming pool and games room for guests of all ages, as well as heaps of watersports. A refined luxury choice for couples or families.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly into Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, before travelling to your destination by bus or taxi. Alternatively, catch the train to Fort Lauderdale from Miami.
• Florida is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel between December and mid-April for the best weather — though this is also peak season! To avoid the crowds and make the most of hotel offers, time your trip for May or June, before the really hot and humid weather sets in. Florida's hurricane season typically runs from late June until November.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Palm Beach.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Florida.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Fort Lauderdale