Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale Florida
Best Areas to Stay in Fort Lauderdale with Top Hotels for Every Budget
Fort Lauderdale is an iconic South Florida destination known for it’s beachfront hotels, high energy downtown and local, coastal charm. From the walkable center of Las Olas to the laidback vibes of Pompano Beach, these areas and hotels are the best for all types of travelers. We break down where to stay in Fort Lauderdale, with carefully selected hotels that offer strong value, high guest satisfaction, and convenient locations.
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Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale
| Las Olas (East) | Best for first time visitors and walkability |
| Fort Lauderdale Beach | Best for a beach stay |
| Pompano Beach | Best for a quieter, more local feel |
| Downtown | Best for proximity to Port Everglades |
| Greater Fort Lauderdale (Hollywood) | Best for casinos, nightlife & dining |
Find Fort Lauderdale Hotels
Top Hotels & Best Areas in Fort Lauderdale
Las Olas Boulevard
Best Overall Location
Las Olas feels like the soul of Fort Lauderdale. It’s the area with the city’s best dining, art galleries, and boutiques, but you can still get to the sand in about 5–10 minutes via the free LauderGO shuttle or by Water Taxi. Halfway between Riverwalk (Arts District) and Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas has that high end, tropical city charm. It’s the perfect location if you want to experience the culture, cuisine and be in the middle of the action (not on the beach).
Top Hotels on Las Olas
Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale
$$ | Best for: Walkability & views
Right on Las Olas Boulevard, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and Riverwalk within a few blocks in either direction. Rooms sit above the street with floor to ceiling windows looking out over the city and water. There’s a rooftop pool with downtown skyline views. Everything at Hyatt Centric is built around being able to walk everywhere without thinking about transportation.
Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
$$ | Best for: Proximity to Las Olas & beach
Directly across from Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hotel Maren has views of the ocean from the lobby and many of the rooms. Cross the street and you’re on the sand within a minute. There is an outdoor pool overlooking the ocean, a poolside bar, a gym, yoga classes and bike rentals available.
Flow Hotel Fort Lauderdale
$ | Best for: Party scene
A trendy, tech forward spot with apartment style rooms and rooftop pool. It’s on the River, directly next to the Brightline and The Wharf. If you are a light sleeper, or have toddlers, opt for a different property on our list!
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Best Beachfront Area
If you are seeking a beach first location in South Florida, that isn’t Miami, then Fort Lauderdale Beach is the perfect place for you. It still feels like a tropical, coastal vibe, but without the ‘rush’ Miami has. With hotels along the coastline, this area offers a variety of properties, from family friend resorts to small boutique hotels on the beach.
Top Hotels in Fort Lauderdale Beach
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach
$$$ | Best for: Luxury
An all-suite hotel with full living rooms, kitchens, and private balconies. Many rooms face the ocean directly, with wide views of the shoreline. The pool deck sits elevated above the beach and looks straight out over the Atlantic.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort
$$$ | Best for: Quieter beach option
Set slightly north of the busiest beach area, with a more traditional Florida beachfront feel. The hotel sits directly on the water with a wraparound porch facing the ocean. A lazy river runs through the property, which we’re totally obsessed with.
Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club
$$ | Best for: Families
A large beachfront property spread out with open lawns, pools, and tennis courts. Rooms sit back from the water rather than stacked directly on top of it. The beach access feels more private and less crowded than central Fort Lauderdale.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
$$$ | Best for: Luxury, oceanviews
Oceanfront hotel with direct beach access. Rooms are spacious with balconies facing the water. The pool deck sits above the shoreline with clear views of the ocean. Everything here feels truly luxurious.
Barley House Hotel
$ | Best for: Boutique hotel
A small, understated property that feels closer to a local stay than a resort. There isn’t a heavy amenity focus here, which is part of the appeal if you’re trying to avoid larger hotel energy. The atmosphere is quiet, simple, and not built around crowds or shared spaces. It functions more as a place to stay in the area rather than a destination itself.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Best for City first stays
Downtown Fort Lauderdale feels more like a city center than a beach town. It’s a live-work-play district where skyscrapers sit right next to scenic canals. It’s extremely walkable with free water trolleys and shuttles connecting everything, including Las Olas Boulevard, Riverwalk, Flagler Village, and Himmarshee District.
Top Hotels in Downtown Fort Lauderdale
The Dalmar, Fort Lauderdale, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
$$ | Best for: Trendy vibes
A downtown hotel built around its rooftop scene, where the pool and bar overlook the city skyline. The energy at the Dalmar hotel is more social and city focused compared to the ‘beach scene’.
Riverside Hotel
$$ | Best for: Solo travelers
Located directly on Las Olas Boulevard along the New River, with restaurants, bars, and waterfront paths all within walking distance. The hotel itself is a classic low rise building in a high activity area. The location that the Riverside Hotel is in, is great to explore, especially with no car.
Pompano Beach
Best for Laidback Vibes
Pompano Beach is a family friendly coastal area known for it’s newly renovated fishing pier, 3 miles of pristine beaches and extensive diving and snorkeling opportunities with coral reefs and offshore wrecks. Centered around the Hillsboro Inlet, Pompano Beach is a quieter alternative to the hustle and bustle of Fort Lauderdale is a great area for anyone looking for a laidback, beach vacation.
Top Hotels in Pompano Beach
Beach House Fort Lauderdale, a Hilton Resort
$$ | Best for: Extended stays
An all-suite setup with separate living areas and ocean facing balconies in most rooms. Direct beach access sits just outside the property. This hotel works works well for longer stays since the space is large and comfortable.
Beachcomber Resort & Club
$ | Best for: Budget beachfront
Located on a quieter stretch of shoreline, the Beachcomber offers a slower pace than Fort Lauderdale proper. The pool area is a great place to relax. This property offers a straightforward beach stay without a heavy resort feeling.
Greater Fort Lauderdale
Best for Local Vibes
Fort Lauderdale spans over a large area of South Florida. Most areas that haven’t been mentioned above are residential, but there are a few pockets that have attractions, or landmarks that visitors come to Florida for. The Seminole Hard Rock & Casino is one of those places, as well as Port Everglades. The Port is one of the busiest in the state, with more than 10 dedicated terminals and many large cruise companies calling it homeport.
Top Hotels in Greater Fort Lauderdale
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, FL
$$$ | Best for: Casino & Nightlife
Most recognizable for it’s guitar shaped building, this large entertainment focused resort is built around its casino, restaurants, and nightlife. The pool areas, dining, and entertainment venues keep everything centralized. With everything going on, it can feel like a destination all on it’s own.
Pier Sixty-Six
$$$ | Best for: Being on Intracoastal
A waterfront property waterfront with marina views, boats, and spaces to watch the sunset. It sits directly on the water and has been recently renovated with modern amentites. Pier sixty six one of the most recognizable waterfront addresses in Fort Lauderdale.
Omni Fort Lauderdale
$$$ | Best for: Proximity to Convention Center
A newer hotel near the Broward County Convention Center, the Omni features modern rooms, a polished lobby, and easy access to Port Everglades. Its clean design and convenient location make it a reliable, option in the downtown and cruise corridor area.
Embassy Suites by Hilton 17th Street
$$ | Best for: Proximity to Port Everglades
An all-suite hotel close to the Port. Rooms are big and split into separate living areas, so you’re not stuck in a standard hotel layout. Free breakfast runs downstairs every morning, and most guests are either heading to or coming off a cruise. It’s practical, close to the port, and built for easy in and out stays.
How to Choose the Right Area to Stay in Fort Lauderdale
- Stay on Fort Lauderdale Beach if you want direct ocean access, beachfront hotels, and everything centered around the sand and A1A.
- Stay on Las Olas if you want walkability, restaurants, nightlife, and a more city style stay right along the riverfront.
- Stay in Downtown Fort Lauderdale if you want walkability, restaurants, nightlife, and a more city style stay right along the riverfront.
- Stay in Pompano Beach if you want a quieter, more relaxed stretch of coastline with fewer crowds and a slower beach pace.
- Stay in Greater Fort Lauderdale if you want better value, more space, or a mix of residential style stays slightly outside the main tourist zones.
Fort Lauderdale is split between beach stays, downtown city hotels, and quieter coastal areas just outside the main strip. First time visitors usually gravitate toward Fort Lauderdale Beach or Las Olas for convenience and access to the main attractions. We recommend staying on Las Olas since it’s in the middle of everything. Beach focused travelers tend to stay closer to the ocean, while repeat visitors often move into quieter areas for space and value. The right area depends on whether your trip is centered around the beach, nightlife, or a mix of both.