Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 24, 2023
It’s no coincidence that Fort Lauderdale is associated with words such as “upscale,” “chic,” and, of course, “ritzy.” Not only is this city on Florida’s southeastern coast home to beautiful mansions, huge mega-yachts, and high-end shopping malls, it’s also where you’ll find some of the state’s top luxury resorts and hotels.
Leading the way in the luxury accommodation stakes are properties like The Pillars Hotel & Club Fort Lauderdale, an elegant boutique hotel that boasts plenty of old-world charm. The much larger, yet no less exquisite, Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is also popular and is one of the luxury resort brand’s top hotels in the Sunshine State.
If money is no object, you may also wish to consider the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, where no indulgence is denied. Also worth splashing out on is the beautiful, family-owned Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club.
This is not to say that more affordable options aren’t available. National brands with pleasant mid-range offerings, including Embassy and Westin, also have a presence here. These, along with a number of other mid-priced resorts, offer great accommodations and package hotel deals that have helped ensure Fort Lauderdale is one of the top tourist destinations on the Atlantic coast of the US.
Learn more about these and other great places to stay with our list of the top resorts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
Needing little by way of introduction, The Ritz-Carlton name is synonymous with 5-star luxury. This is certainly the case with The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, which offers guests a variety of beautifully decorated accommodations from which to choose. Options include spacious standard rooms with a king or two double beds, marble bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers (bathrobes and slippers provided), fridges, desks, and private balconies.
Larger one-bedroom Residential Suites of up to 1,583 square feet are also available and come with kitchenettes and dining tables. Added services include twice-daily housekeeping, free water bottles and newspapers, laundry, and in-room dining. A limited number of rooms are allocated access to a special club area with a dedicated concierge, and are worth the upgrade if your budget will allow.
The pampering doesn’t end in your room, though. On-site amenities include a full-service spa with separate lounge areas for men and women, plus a couples’ area; a heated outdoor infinity swimming pool with private cabanas and a huge terrace, beach chairs and umbrellas; use of resort bikes and a water taxi; and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Valet parking is also available, and guests are granted privileges at a nearby championship 18-hole golf course.
The on-site dining is superlative and includes the beachside Burlock Coast restaurant, offering fine dining experiences incorporating the best of local ingredients and produce. This fine-dining eatery features indoor and outdoor dining, with its large terrace area boasting incredible views over the ocean and beach. For light eaters, try to time your visit for their regular “happy hour” offerings; available from 5pm, they usually consist of one or two menu options offered at a reduced price for early diners.
2. W Fort Lauderdale
Undoubtedly one of the most strikingly designed resorts in the area thanks to its unique design, which resembles a sailing vessel, the chic W Fort Lauderdale is well worth considering as a base for your Florida beach getaway.
This luxurious 5-star resort’s ultra-modern rooms are a delight and come in a variety of sizes, each beautifully decorated and furnished. A popular choice if your budget allows are the sumptuous oceanfront suites, each with commanding views over the beach and water through floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to the private balcony.
If available, request one of the popular corner units for even better views. Some of these units also come with a second balcony off the main living room. In-room features include fridges and work desks, while available services such as in-room dining are also available. Pet-friendly options can also be booked.
There are plenty of fun things to do around the resort, too. Popular features include a large fully-equipped fitness center with personal trainers if needed, two infinity-edge swimming pools overlooking the ocean, a full-service spa, and great dining.
3. The Dalmar, Fort Lauderdale, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
The newest luxury resort in Fort Lauderdale, The Dalmar, Fort Lauderdale, only opened its doors to the public in 2019, and has already made its mark. Part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio Hotel group, this sumptuous 5-star property is set in downtown Fort Lauderdale just steps away from the city’s beach and top attractions, as well as the best dining and shopping opportunities, via water taxi.
Brightly decorated and boasting an attractive floral décor consisting of living plants, the building is attractively designed throughout. On-site amenities include a full-service spa, a suspended infinity swimming pool, and no fewer than five places to enjoy a meal or snack, including rooftop dining and a casual café.
Other highlights include a well-equipped fitness center, along with meeting and convention space. Yoga classes are available for guests to participate in.
4. The Pillars Hotel & Club
A member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, The Pillars Hotel & Club is well worth considering if you’re looking to spend quality down time in Fort Lauderdale. One of the most picturesque 4-star hotels on the city’s Intracoastal Waterway, this charming and romantic property offers guests no end of great service from its extremely attentive staff.
Guests can choose from a variety of well-appointed, sumptuously decorated, and extremely elegant accommodations. Popular choices include the chic king or double queen rooms, right up to larger suites with spacious private patios with canopies. For the ultimate in luxury, check in to the opulent Birch House, a stand-alone waterside colonial-style property just a short stroll from the main hotel.
There’s much to say about The Pillars’ world-class amenities, too. Highlights of a stay include fine dining, including alfresco and in-room options, and there’s even a private dining club you can join that offers unique packages and bespoke menus.
Other fun things to do include grabbing a ride aboard the hotel’s yacht and public water taxis, which give you access to pretty much the whole city via 150 miles or so of waterways. Alternatively, you can simply relax poolside on the spacious sun terraces and patios. There’s also a full-service spa.
5. Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach
Located in the city’s prestigious North Beach neighborhood, the 4-star Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the newest luxury resorts to open in southeastern Florida. It’s certainly a large place, consisting of 290 accommodations with superb views over the Atlantic and inland waterways. Each luxury suite includes a full kitchen with a cooktop, microwave, and fridge, as well as double queen or king beds.
A nice luxury touch is the chance to choose your favorite pillow type. Other notable features include a classy marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub. All rooms come along with a large furnished terrace or balcony.
For those wanting additional space, go for the 1,700-square-foot “Residence” unit. These extremely elegant suites boast a full kitchen and breakfast bar, a large stove plus a fridge, along with separate dining and seating areas. They also feature a pullout couch, and the master bedroom comes with its own en-suite bathroom and private balcony.
There are also plenty of fun things to do around the resort, too. Amenities include the full-service Conrad Spa with its many treatment and massage options, a state-of-the-art fitness center with personal trainers available, along with a large heated swimming pool with private cabanas. A variety of great dining options can also be experienced, including in-room and alfresco options, plus curated chef menus in the on-site restaurant.
6. Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club
The lovely luxury Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club has the distinction of having been owned by the same family since 1959. And while most of the original buildings on the 10-acre property have since been replaced, the same high level of service and comfort established by its founders can still be experienced today.
Guests are certainly spoiled for choice and quality when it comes to accommodations. This lovely 4-star resort consists of a mix of 204 rooms and suites. Among the most popular options are the 600-square-foot, one-bedroom suites. These chic units come with separate living rooms, pullout sofa beds, well-equipped kitchenettes, and good-sized private balconies.
If available, consider one of the 675-square-foot suites, which come with a full-kitchen, a very handy feature for those traveling with hungry kids. If even more space is needed, opt for the spacious 1,103-square-foot, two-bedroom unit. It, too, comes with a separate living room and larger kitchen.
On-site amenities include great dining, including a variety of in-room options, a full-service spa, and plenty of meeting and function space. The focus, though, is very much around the resort’s 500-foot private beach. Thanks to its plentiful palm trees, the beach area offers many shady spots for when you’re done sunbathing; another option is to rent a private cabana.
7. Pelican Grand Beach Resort
Not only does Pelican Grand Beach Resort claim to have the only lazy river in Fort Lauderdale, this family-friendly vacation destination also offers guests another great watery treat: its own private, 500-foot stretch of beach. Along with easy beach access from the resort, you’ll be able to make the most of your sun, sea, and sand holiday with plenty of relaxation on the beach chairs and umbrellas provided.
This 4-star resort also has a large gradual entry swimming pool, beachfront or on-the-beach dining, a fitness center, full-service spa, and underground valet parking. Also nice is the huge terrace with its comfy rocking chairs looking directly out to sea. The resort’s restaurant has also earned a reputation among locals and guests alike for its excellent brunch buffet.
8. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
Located within walking distance of Las Olas Boulevard and the best places to visit in the city for shopping, dining, and entertainment, The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort provides everything needed to ensure a great vacation.
In addition to its proximity to the beach, just steps away, this beautiful 4-star all-inclusive luxury oceanfront property boasts world-class gourmet and casual dining options in its restaurants. Also noteworthy are the adults-only lounge areas, a full-service spa providing indoor and outdoor treatments, a fitness center, heated outdoor swimming pool, and a hot tub.
Kids are well catered-to as well and can enjoy a variety of fun activities and programs. Other useful on-site amenities include snack and gift shops, a convenience store, and bike rentals.
9. The Atlantic Hotel and Spa
Consisting of 104 elegant accommodations, The Atlantic Hotel & Spa is well worth considering if you’re on the look out for a great luxury Fort Lauderdale beach vacation. Among the most popular choices when it comes to guest rooms are this popular 4-star hotel’s larger suites, some of which are available in easily accessible variations for those with mobility issues.
One of the largest is the huge 2,200-square-foot penthouse unit. Along with stunning views from its rooftop terraces, the unit comes with two large bedrooms, a separate living area, dining room, and a full kitchen with modern appliances. More modest 1,200-square-foot suites are also available.
On-site amenities include a large fitness center, a full-service spa that’s popular for its outdoor massages, a hair salon, plus a heated outdoor swimming pool. The resort has earned a reputation for the quality of its restaurant, which offers a great dining experience, both in the restaurant and on the patio. In-room dining is also available.
10. Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
One of a number of quality 4-star Marriott resorts gracing Florida’s Atlantic coast, the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa offers guests a memorable vacation experience. Highlights include spending time on the resort’s quarter-mile-long, private beach, as well as enjoying easy access to great water sports and other activities, including jet skiing, fishing, and diving adventures, all of which can be arranged by resort concierge staff.
Other notable amenities include a large, heated, lagoon-style swimming pool, a world-class spa and fitness facilities, plus great dining at the on-site restaurant. A gift shop is also located on the premises. Other useful services include a concierge desk, limousine hire, and in-room meals delivered from area restaurants. Las Olas Boulevard is close by and offers a huge selection of great dining.
11. The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
Connected to the city’s large public beaches by a tube-like overpass, The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort offers guests the perfect location from which to enjoy a great Florida sun vacation. On-site amenities at this high-end 4-star resort include the full-service Heavenly Spa, a large state-of-the-art fitness center including athletic wear if needed, a jogging path, an outdoor heated swimming pool, bike rentals, tennis facilities, gift and clothing shops, plus a marina.
The resort even has its own photographer to help capture those great vacation memories. For a memorable special event or wedding, check into the availability of the resort’s rooftop Sky Terrace, popular for its stunning ocean views.
Other available guest services include a concierge desk, limousine hire, valet parking, babysitting, laundry and dry cleaning, plus luggage storage. While there’s plenty of great dining on-site, as well as a Starbucks, consider popping in to the excellent Casablanca Cafe for a late lunch or early dinner. Always bustling, this great casual eatery is just four minutes’ walk away and is as popular with locals as it is with tourists and offers a variety of “happy hour” specials.
12. Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach
Another popular option for those seeking a great beach vacation, the 4-star Sonesta Fort Lauderdale offers plenty of great reasons to stay on the resort grounds, despite the many alluring attractions, great shopping, and entertainment opportunities nearby.
The focal point here is very much the large terrace area around the heated outdoor swimming pool, where guests can easily pass the time as they relax and sunbathe (be sure to book a private cabana) or maybe enjoy some alfresco dining at the restaurant overlooking the ocean. Other notable amenities include function and meeting rooms, a fitness center, and spa treatment rooms. It’s also a popular resort for wedding parties looking for a beach setting.
13. The Westin Fort Lauderdale
A popular 4-star option for those not needing to be right on the water, the renovated Westin Fort Lauderdale is an easy drive from the best places to visit in this part of Florida, including the city’s beaches and attractions.
On-site amenities include a huge outdoor swimming pool overlooking a three-acre lagoon; a fully-equipped fitness center with a sauna; and dining, including in-room menu options. There is also luggage storage, laundry services, a concierge, and laundry. There are also a number of golf courses nearby.
14. Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal/Il Lugano
Set overlooking the city’s extensive network of canals (think of it as a highway for luxury yachts), the Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal/Il Lugano is a great choice for those seeking somewhere pleasant to enjoy an extended stay in the sun. This 4-star hotel even comes with ample docking for those traveling by boat and provides free breakfasts each day of your stay.
Other on-site amenities include a restaurant; event and meeting rooms; a large, heated outdoor swimming pool; a well-equipped fitness center; and a beauty shop. Bike rentals are also available, and a handy grocery service is offered for those not wanting to venture out.
15. Marriott’s BeachPlace Towers
Centrally located close to all the beachfront in Fort Lauderdale and recently renovated, the popular 3-star Marriott’s BeachPlace Towers offers guests a choice of studios, as well as one- and two-bedroom vacation villas. The larger units come with full-kitchens, ensuring that meals can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home-away-from-home, an especially handy feature for those traveling with hungry teens and big eaters who enjoy snacking.
The laundry room is another useful feature. The master bedrooms are also a treat and come with large en-suites with separate showers and huge jetted tubs. Another perk are the large balconies, either looking over the beach or the city’s inland waterways.
Amenities include a large heated outdoor swimming pool with a terrace and hot tub, poolside dining, a spa, plus a fully-equipped gym. The resort is located directly opposite the beach, where you can make use of their chair and umbrella rentals.
Ready to explore? Then head out to nearby Las Olas Boulevard for great shopping, dining, and entertainment. Other fun places to visit nearby include Las Olas Oceanside Park, a great little green space with a children’s playground, picnic areas, and a small lake feature. Just steps way from Beachplace Towers, it’s especially fun to visit on Saturdays during the weekly farmer’s market.
