Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to Fort Lauderdale and wondering where to stay? We’ve got you covered!

With beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine, Fort Lauderdale is such a fun place to explore. It’s home to more canals than you can count and is famous for its boating scene, but there’s plenty to do on dry land too.

However, Fort Lauderdale is pretty spread out, so choosing the right area to stay can make a BIG difference to your trip. Whether you want to be steps from the sand, close to the best dining and nightlife, or somewhere convenient before a cruise, we’ve narrowed down the four best areas to stay in Fort Lauderdale below!

Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale Map

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a sunny South Florida city known for its beautiful beaches and HUGE network of canals. There’s a big boating community, which might have something to do with the fact that it’s right by Port Everglades, which is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.

Although the areas below are walkable in their own right, Fort Lauderdale is quite spread out overall. You’ll usually need a rental car or rideshare to travel between different parts of the city, and having your own wheels is definitely useful if you want to explore farther along the coast.

That said, there are some fun alternatives! The Water Taxi is a scenic way to reach selected waterfront spots, while the free LauderGO shuttles are handy for getting around. Downtown also has a Brightline station for onward travel. Just note that Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is technically a separate town, but it’s still a great base for exploring Fort Lauderdale.

• Fort Lauderdale Beach – Best for first-time visitors – Stay here to be right by the sand and oceanfront promenade. Aqua Hotel is our top pick thanks to its two outdoor pools and its fantastic location just a block from the beach.

• Downtown Fort Lauderdale – Best for dining & nightlife – Downtown is perfect if you want to be close to the bars and restaurants of Las Olas Boulevard, as well as the Riverwalk. We recommend Riverside Hotel, a historic hotel right on Las Olas Boulevard.

• 17th Street Causeway & Port Everglades – Best for cruise passengers & short stays – This is the most convenient area for a pre- or post-cruise stay, with Port Everglades and the airport both nearby. Aloft by Marriott is our top pick here for its modern rooms and handy location.

• Lauderdale-by-the-Sea – Best for quieter beach holidays – This laid-back seaside town is ideal if you want a quieter beach stay with fantastic snorkeling and diving right offshore. We love Plunge Beach Resort for its beachfront location and fun, colorful vibe.

Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Beach

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Beautiful beach right on your doorstep
• HUGE choice of beachfront hotels, restaurants, and bars

Cons

• Hotels and restaurants can be pricey
• Parking can be expensive, especially during busy periods

If it’s your first time in Fort Lauderdale, we think the beach is the best place to stay! This is the city’s main vacation district, with miles of golden sand and an oceanfront promenade that’s perfect for walking or cycling.

Of course, spending time on the beach is the main reason to stay here! However, there’s plenty going on along Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard too, with tons of restaurants, bars, and shops lining the waterfront. You can also stroll along the promenade and visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, or head down towards Las Olas Oceanside Park.

This is also where you’ll find the biggest concentration of beachfront hotels and resorts in Fort Lauderdale, with everything from smaller boutique properties to luxurious oceanfront stays. Plus, you can use the Water Taxi to explore some of the city’s famous canals and waterfront attractions without always relying on a car.

The main downside is the price. Accommodation, dining, and parking can all get expensive during busy periods. Still, if you want a classic Fort Lauderdale vacation with the beach right outside your door, this area is VERY hard to beat!

The Atlantic Hotel & Spa – $$$

The Atlantic Hotel & Spa is a gorgeous luxury option right across from Fort Lauderdale Beach. The rooms and suites are huge, with private terraces overlooking either the ocean or the city, and some even have full kitchens. It’s a great choice if you want plenty of space to spread out!

There’s also a full-service spa for when you want to treat yourself, plus an outdoor pool terrace overlooking the Atlantic. You’ve got several places to eat and drink without leaving the hotel too, including an oceanfront restaurant and Sky Bar by the pool.

Overall, we think this is perfect for a luxurious beach vacation! Rooms start from around $300 USD per night.

Another luxurious option we love is Pelican Grand Beach Resort, which sits directly on a private stretch of beach and looks like a big yellow castle. It also has Fort Lauderdale’s only lazy river, which is quite the claim to fame, and a lovely oceanfront restaurant.

Alternatively, Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach is a 4-star oceanfront hotel with an outdoor pool and beach access. It’s also close to Las Olas Boulevard, so you’ll be well placed for dining and exploring.

Aqua Hotel – $$

Aqua Hotel is a fantastic mid-range pick in Fort Lauderdale Beach. It’s just a block from the sand and has a cute, tropical feel, so you still get that beach vacation atmosphere without paying luxury resort prices.

There’s a great range of rooms here too, from studios to spacious one-bedroom and family suites that can sleep up to six people. Guests also have access to the pools and other amenities across the North Beach Village Resort collection, so you get a lot for your money.

Plus, the location is super convenient for enjoying the area on foot. Rooms start from around $150 USD per night.

La Casa Hotel is another lovely boutique option in North Beach Village, with a Spanish-inspired design and the beach just a short walk away. We love the four-poster beds here!

Alternatively, Silver Seas Beach Resort is worth checking out if Aqua is all booked up. It’s bright and colorful, with a great location close to Fort Lauderdale Beach.

The Hotel Deauville – $

For a more affordable stay near the beach, The Hotel Deauville is a fantastic choice. It’s smaller and more laid-back than the big beachfront resorts, with an outdoor courtyard-style pool at the center of the property.

You can choose from private rooms and suites, as well as cheaper dorm rooms if you really want to keep costs down. There’s also a communal kitchen and lounge, and a BBQ area, which is ideal if you want to do some self-catering while you’re here.

Best of all, you’ll still be within easy reach of the beach without the hefty price tag of many nearby resorts! Rooms start from around $120 USD per night.

Snooze is another fun budget option if you want to be right by the ocean. Its standout feature is the open-air rooftop lounge overlooking Fort Lauderdale Beach, and guests can also borrow beach chairs for free.

We also like Green Island Inn for a quieter stay just steps from the beach. It has an outdoor pool and apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes, so you get a LOT for your money here.

Downtown Fort Lauderdale

BEST FOR DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Pros

• Fantastic restaurants and nightlife
• Lots to see and do within walking distance

Cons

• You’ll need to travel to reach the beach
• Less of a classic vacation atmosphere

If great food and nightlife are high on your Fort Lauderdale wish list, Downtown is the place to stay! This is the city’s lively urban center, with tons of bars and restaurants right on your doorstep, as well as boutiques and galleries. 

Las Olas Boulevard is the main event here. This famous street runs through Downtown and is packed with places to eat, drink, and shop, so you’ll have plenty to explore day and night. We also love strolling along the Riverwalk, which follows the New River through the heart of the city and connects several parks and cultural attractions.

There’s plenty to do around here besides eating and drinking, too. You can visit the NSU Art Museum, catch a show at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, or hop aboard the Water Taxi to explore Fort Lauderdale’s famous waterways.

Of course, the trade-off is that you won’t be right on the beach. You’ll generally need to drive or use a rideshare app to reach the coast – or you can jump on one of the Water Taxis, which is our preferred mode of transport around town. But if your priority is food and nightlife rather than the beach, Downtown is an AMAZING base!

Hyatt Centric Las Olas – $$$

If you want to be right in the heart of Downtown, Hyatt Centric Las Olas is hard to beat. It’s right on Las Olas Boulevard, putting some of the city’s best bars and cultural attractions within easy walking distance.

The hotel itself is modern and stylish, but we especially love the rooftop pool and ELEV8 bar, where you can sip cocktails with views over Downtown Fort Lauderdale. There’s also Harborwood Urban Kitchen & Bar downstairs, plus a reservations-only speakeasy called Room Nine01!

If you’re coming to Fort Lauderdale for the dining and nightlife, we think this hotel fits the vibe perfectly. Rooms start from around $220 USD per night.

If Hyatt Centric Las Olas is fully booked for your travel dates, Flow Hotel Fort Lauderdale is another fantastic upscale option in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. The rooms have a bit of a Bali vibe, and it’s right by the river.

Riverside Hotel – $$

Riverside Hotel is our favorite hotel in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. This historic hotel dates back to 1936, but you’d never know that from its polished, modern decor. It also boasts an incredible location, as it sits on both Las Olas Boulevard and the New River. The Water Taxi even stops right outside the hotel, so it’s super easy to sail directly to the beach! 

There’s a palm-fringed outdoor pool overlooking the water, plus several places to eat and drink on site, including a pub and a wine and martini lounge. With lots of character and an unbeatable location, we think this place is an absolutely amazing option. Rooms start from around $160 USD per night.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is another convenient option close to Las Olas Boulevard. It’s quite a straightforward hotel, but it’s comfortable and well-reviewed, and it’s easy to visit Downtown’s main attractions from here.

Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale Downtown is another modern option near Las Olas. It has an outdoor pool, and it includes breakfast, plus a gym and games for kids.

Tru By Hilton – $

For a more affordable Downtown stay, Tru By Hilton offers a LOT for the money. It’s only a five-minute walk from the Brightline station, while you’ve got multiple museums and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts are all within a mile of the property.

The rooms here are bright and modern, and you’ll also have access to an outdoor pool, fitness center, and fifth-floor pool bar. Better still, a hot breakfast and Wi-Fi are included in your stay, which helps keep costs down even further.

For an affordable base with easy access to Downtown and onward transport, we think this is a really solid choice! Rooms start from around $100 USD per night.

Another option worth checking out is Courtyard by Marriott. It’s very well-decorated, with a rooftop pool and lounge where you can sip colorful cocktails as you look out over the Downtown skyline.

17th Street Causeway & Port Everglades

BEST FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS & SHORT STAYS

Pros

• Super convenient for Port Everglades and the airport
• Plenty of hotels and practical amenities

Cons

• Busy roads make the area less pleasant for walking
• Less atmosphere than Fort Lauderdale Beach or Downtown

If you’re spending a night or two in Fort Lauderdale before or after a cruise, staying in the 17th Street Causeway area makes a lot of sense. Port Everglades is right nearby, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is just a short drive away, so you won’t have far to travel with your luggage!

Unsurprisingly, this area is geared towards travelers. There’s a lot of choice when it comes to hotels around here, and there are also tons of restaurants and supermarkets. The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is nearby too, so this is a practical base if you’re in town for an event.

You can still squeeze in some sightseeing during a short stay. The 17th Street Causeway crosses the Intracoastal Waterway and puts you within easy reach of the beach, while Downtown and Las Olas Boulevard are only a short drive away.

However, we wouldn’t choose this area for a longer Fort Lauderdale vacation. The busy roads and commercial surroundings mean it doesn’t have the same atmosphere as the beach or Downtown. But for convenience before or after a cruise, you can’t beat it!

Pier Sixty-Six – $$$

For a luxurious stay near Port Everglades, Pier Sixty-Six is our top pick. This iconic waterfront resort originally opened in 1965 and recently underwent a HUGE redevelopment, reopening in 2025. It’s also just minutes from the cruise terminals, so you can start your vacation in style!

The resort is set around a massive marina, with 325 rooms and suites, multiple pools, and a 13,000-square-foot spa. There are also tons of places to eat and drink, including the famous Pier Top revolving lounge, which completes a full rotation every 66 minutes!

We think it’s worth splurging here if you want your pre- or post-cruise stay to feel like an extension of your vacation rather than just somewhere to sleep. Rooms start from around $400 USD per night.

Another option nearby is Embassy Suites by Hilton, which offers spacious suites and is super convenient for Port Everglades. There’s a nice pool and garden area, and the beds are large and comfortable.

We also really like Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, which is a brand-new luxury option connected directly to the Broward County Convention Center. Its 10th-floor pool deck has fantastic Intracoastal views, while the Ibis Sky Lounge on the 29th floor is perfect for sunset drinks – cheers! 

Aloft by Marriott – $$

Aloft by Marriott is our top pick for cruise passengers. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is just a few minutes away, and the hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle, plus a paid shuttle service to Port Everglades.

However, this isn’t just a convenient place to crash between journeys! There’s a rooftop pool and bar with 360-degree views, as well as the lively W XYZ Bar downstairs. The rooms are bright and modern, and there’s a 24-hour fitness center up on the 13th floor too.

Overall, we think this is an amazing choice if you want to keep the logistics simple without sacrificing the fun vacation feel. Rooms start from around $150 USD per night.

Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resorts is another handy option for a short stay, with the airport and cruise port both nearby. There’s also an outdoor pool, so you can still squeeze in some Florida sunshine between journeys.

We also like Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale, which has spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a convenient location close to Port Everglades. It’s a solid alternative if Aloft is all booked up.

The Lauderdale Boutique Hotel – $

If you’re watching your budget, The Lauderdale Boutique Hotel is worth checking out. It’s a small, no-frills property, so don’t expect the resort facilities of the pricier hotels above, but that’s reflected in the price!

The rooms are modern and comfortable, with everything you need, and there’s a nice patio area where you can enjoy your morning coffee. However, the location is really the main selling point here. You’ll be close to both Downtown and the 17th Street Causeway, making this a convenient base for Port Everglades while still being within easy reach of restaurants and sightseeing.

There’s also free parking, which is another money-saving bonus if you’ve rented a car. Rooms start from around $140 USD per night.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

BEST FOR QUIETER BEACH STAYS

Pros

• Quieter beach atmosphere
• Fantastic shore snorkeling and diving

Cons

• Farther from Downtown Fort Lauderdale
• Fewer luxury resorts and nightlife options

If you want a quieter beach vacation, we think Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is an amazing choice. Technically, this is a separate town just north of Fort Lauderdale, but it’s close enough to make a great base for exploring the area.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has a completely different feel from the busier Fort Lauderdale Beach. It’s a small, laid-back seaside community with a colorful beachfront and a walkable town center, so you can easily wander between the beach and shops without constantly having to jump in the car.

However, this area is especially famous for what lies beneath the water! Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is one of Florida’s top shore diving destinations, with reefs and shipwrecks that you can reach straight from the beach. Even if you’re not a diver, you can grab a snorkel and explore the reefs just offshore.

The trade-off is that you’ll be farther from Downtown Fort Lauderdale, and there aren’t as many big luxury resorts here. However, that’s also part of the appeal! If your ideal vacation involves relaxing beach days and snorkeling, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is perfect.

Ocean Treasure Beachside Suites – $$$

For a luxurious stay right on the sand, Ocean Treasure Beachside Suites is our top pick. This boutique property has an amazing beachfront location, while Downtown Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is just steps away, so you get the best of both worlds.

There’s a great range of accommodations to choose from, including spacious suites with living and dining areas. Most of them have kitchenettes, which is handy if you’re staying for more than a few nights. 

However, the location is the real selling point for us. You can wake up overlooking the Atlantic, head straight onto the sand, and still walk into town for dinner in the evening. All in all, we think it’s perfect for a peaceful and convenient beach getaway. Rooms start from around $250 USD per night.

Another beachfront option we love is High Noon Beach Resort, a family-run resort that has been around for 60 years. It has two heated pools surrounded by tropical gardens, and the offshore reefs are within swimming distance, so it’s a fantastic choice if you’re here to snorkel or dive.

Plunge Beach Resort – $$

Plunge Beach Resort is a really fun pick in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. It sits right on the beach and has a beachy South Florida style with ocean-inspired artwork. We especially love the beachside bungalows!

There’s plenty going on here too, from beach yoga and live music to games on the sand. You can borrow bikes to explore Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, while the resort fee also includes two beach chairs and towels. There’s a heated pool, plus several places to grab food and drinks, including a beach bar.

We think this is perfect if you want a beach resort with plenty of personality! Rooms start from around $200 USD per night.

If Plunge is all booked up, Coral Key Inn is another great option, especially for families. It’s just steps from the beach and provides beach equipment for guests, so you can spend less time organizing and more time on the sand!

Blue Strawberry by the Sea – $

For a budget-friendly stay, Blue Strawberry by the Sea offers a LOT for the money. It’s a small 34-room property just steps from the beach, so you can still score an amazing location without paying beachfront resort prices.

There are two heated outdoor pools, plus free parking and complimentary bikes for exploring the neighborhood. You can also choose a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a full kitchenette, which is a great way to save some money by self-catering. There’s also a barbecue area, which is perfect for summer nights.

And since restaurants and the beach are both within walking distance, you won’t need to spend your entire vacation driving around. For an affordable and laid-back stay by the ocean, we think this  hotel is very hard to beat! Rooms start from around $120 USD per night.

Horizon by the Sea Inn is another affordable option with a heated outdoor pool and complimentary bikes. It’s just a short walk or ride from the beach and nearby restaurants, making it another convenient base without a hefty resort price tag.

You could also check out Sea Garden by the Sea, which is another small property in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. It’s comfortable, with a beachy feel, so it’s a good backup if the other budget options are all booked up.

Related Read: Need help planning your trip? Check out our Fort Lauderdale itinerary for a complete day-by-day plan!

Top Activities in Fort Lauderdale

There’s so much more to Fort Lauderdale than lounging on the beach! We love getting out on the waterways, exploring downtown, and, of course, sampling the local food scene. Here are a few of our favorite activities to add to your trip.

• Explore Fort Lauderdale by Segway – Cover way more ground without wearing yourself out on this fun Segway tour! We cruised along the Riverwalk, through downtown, and past luxury homes and mega yachts while hearing plenty of entertaining local stories from our guide.

• Watch the sunset from the water – Fort Lauderdale is famous for its waterways, and this sunset catamaran cruise is one of our favorite ways to enjoy them! You’ll sail past the mansions of “Millionaires Row” before heading toward the Atlantic to watch the sunset, with a complimentary drink included.

• Taste your way around the city – Come hungry for this small-group food tour! You’ll visit five local restaurants for eight tastings and two drinks while exploring Las Olas Boulevard and learning about Fort Lauderdale’s history along the way.

• Cruise the canals on a historic paddlewheeler – Sit back and enjoy the views aboard the Carrie B! This narrated cruise travels along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway, passing waterfront mansions, mega yachts, Port Everglades, and some of the city’s historic sights.

• Drive your own mini powerboat – For something a little more adventurous, we loved cruising the canals in our own two-person mini powerboat! You’ll be in control as you zip past mansions and yachts or slow down to take in the mangroves and waterfront scenery.

Thanks for reading!

Fort Lauderdale has so many great areas to choose from, and we love that each one offers a totally different experience! You can wake up steps from the sand, stay near the restaurants and nightlife of Las Olas, keep things convenient before a cruise, or escape to laid-back Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

If you’re planning more of your US adventure, check out our other USA blogs here! We’ve spent lots of time exploring the states and have plenty more firsthand tips, itineraries, and guides to help with your trips. Or, keep reading with a few of our favorite blogs below. Safe travels!

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