Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale?

As the 'Venice of America', Fort Lauderdale’s identity is firmly founded on the water. The many districts and neighbourhoods of Fort Lauderdale are distinct from one another and each offers a different flavour of the life in the city. From the upscale neighbourhoods of Los Olas, Central Beach and the Isles**, to the vibrant Downtown area and the quieter suburbs to the north of the city, there are plenty of perfect places to stay in this Floridian city.

Today Fort Lauderdale is a sophisticated, LGBT friendly and family holiday destination, where visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities. Wherever you stay, you are never far from the city’s top adventures. The coast and waterways are the main attractions of Fort Lauderdale, but look closer and you will find many more gems from historic buildings to unique museums and boutique shopping districts.

Beach hotels

Unsurprisingly, most visitors to Fort Lauderdale come to experience the Atlantic Coast, which runs along the city’s entire Eastern edge. From the city’s northernmost beaches at Imperial Point and then Lauderdale-by-the Sea, followed by Lauderdale Beach, Central Beach and Los Olas Beach to the South, high-end sea view hotels are dotted along the entire coastline.

Those looking for a family-friendly beach holiday with access to the city, but the feel of a holiday resort, Imperial Point, at the northernmost tip of Fort Lauderdale, is an excellent choice. Highlights of the destination include the district’s own collection of waterways and the SS Copenhagen Shipwreck just a few hundred metres from the land. Imperial Point also borders the town of Pompano Beach where visitors can head for a day trip to discover the Pompano Beach Historical Museum and the Meridian Gallery.

The biggest and most established Fort Lauderdale hotels are found around the Central Beach area and include the Conrad, Ritz-Carlton, Marriott Harbour Beach Resort, Hilton and the Atlantic Hotel and Spa. Highlights in this popular area of Fort Lauderdale, includes the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, and of course easy access to the city’s most famous network of intracoastal waterways, rivers and man-made canals where vast superyachts and fine sailing vessels fill the water. Boating tours are a popular activity and include romantic gondola rides or a boat tour of the city’s Billionaire Row along New River.

Downtown Fort Lauderdale and Los Olas

Downtown Fort Lauderdale has a high concentration of hotels, particularly to the southwest of the centre and into the bordering Los Olas district. Top attractions in the city’s Downtown area include the Museum of Science and Discovery, the NSU Art Museum, Fort Lauderdale History Centre and the historic Stranahan House. By night the Riverside Arts and Entertainment District hosts a year-round calendar of events. Basing yourself in the Downtown area also means easy access to the excellent attractions that lie to the west of the city which are often overlooked by those staying on the beach. This includes the unique Flamingo Gardens and Young At Art, an immersive family art centre.

Those staying in Los Olas enjoy the best of all worlds, which includes easy access to the Downtown attractions, the beach and the city’s famous waterways. The Los Olas neighbourhood is also home to some of the city's best boutique shops and high-end restaurants that line its wide, central boulevard. The International Hall of Swimming Fame is also found in Los Olas, as well as, the beautiful landscaped promenade gardens opposite Beach Place.

Wilton Manors

Those looking for a quieter and quirkier place to stay, then the northern neighbourhood of Wilton Manors is a choice alternative to the hubbub of the coast or the Downtown area. Wilton Manors is essentially an inland island, encompassed by the Middle River. A pitch perfect mix of independent restaurants, shops and bars are coupled with a good number of public parks and pleasant walks. It’s the perfect base for those looking for somewhere quiet, but with easy access to the beaches, waterways and Downtown attractions of Fort Lauderdale. Choose from boutique riverside hotels and family-friendly guesthouses, all with a warm Southern welcome.

Book your hotel and flight to Fort Lauderdale today and start your dream Florida holiday sooner. BudgetAir Camada can help you find excellent flight prices from Canada to Fort Lauderdale, as well as competitive hotel deals.