Famed for its beautiful beaches and Atlantic Ocean sunrises, Fort Lauderdale is one of Florida’s must-see cities. But with its popularity among travelers, choosing where to stay in Fort Lauderdale, FL, isn’t always easy.
The best areas in Fort Lauderdale span everything from lively oceanfront districts like Fort Lauderdale Beach to laid-back neighborhoods like Flagler Village. From 5-star luxury hotels to budget accommodations, you’ll find it all in this charming South Florida city.
Need help sorting through the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale? Plan an unforgettable trip with this complete guide to the best places to stay in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our Fort Lauderdale Travel Guide for recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Best places to stay in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Taking a trip through South Florida? Fort Lauderdale should be near the top of your list. Reminiscent of Venice, canals drift throughout the city center, providing travelers with a charming, romantic atmosphere.
With so many interesting areas, neighborhoods, and districts in Fort Lauderdale, the choices are endless. To experience to city’s legendary nightlife, settle down in the Central Beach area, home to the city’s top nightclubs and tiki bars. Or spend your vacation immersed in arts, culture, and fashion in Downtown. The city center teems with dozens of museums and amazing art galleries. You’ll also find plenty of wonderful restaurants, bars, and cafes scattered around Lauderdale.
There are neighborhoods with direct access to beach areas for swimming and sunbathing and are ideal for booking boat tours and charter boats. If you’re looking for a more urban vibe, settle on one of the city center districts. In these areas, you’ll find plenty of accommodations boasting outdoor swimming pools set against a beautiful cityscape.
The best areas to stay in Fort Lauderdale are:
Fort Lauderdale Beach
✓ Best area to stay in Fort Lauderdale for first-time visitors
First-time visitor to South Florida? Start your accommodation search at Fort Lauderdale Beach. Also called Central Beach, this oceanfront area teems with sandy beaches, street performers, bars, and restaurants. For travelers and beach lovers, it’s one of South Florida’s most popular attractions.
Family fun, including beach activities, is endless at Fort Lauderdale Beach. Volleyball, swimming, surfing, sandcastle building, and various beach games are all popular activities for days spent in the sun and sand.
Staying in the area, you can also explore Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Many visitors rollerblade or bike the nearly two-mile main park drive and its hiking & walking trails. Fishing, paddle boarding, and kayaking are other fun ways to explore the park. While taking in the tropical flora and fauna, keep an eye out for turtles, snakes, and migratory birds.
Another popular attraction for first-time visitors is the Bonnet House Museum. This museum is dedicated to historical and environmental preservation. There are many works by artists such as Georges Seurat (Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte), Paul Gauguin (Day of the Gods), and Pablo Picasso (The Old Guitarist). If you’re interested in art, Bonnet House is a must-see.
Fort Lauderdale Beach has a wide range of accommodations to suit everyone’s needs and style. Prices, however, tend to be higher than in other areas further outside of central Fort Lauderdale.
Nobleton Hotel
If you’re traveling on a price-conscious budget, the Nobleton Hotel is a top-notch choice for where to stay in Fort Lauderdale. Located within walking distance of the beach, the hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool. Each room comes with a fridge and microwave as well as a flat-screen TV. The rooms are air-conditioned with comfortable beds and private bathrooms.
Deco Boutique Hotel
The Deco Boutique Hotel is a hidden gem. Separated into two buildings, each has its own pool and lounge area to explore. There’s also a rooftop terrace area for BBQs and a common area with a fireplace and a bar. Deco Boutique Hotel offers a variety of room types designed for both short and long-term stays.
Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club
The Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club sits on a 500-foot private beach and is a hugely popular place to stay while visiting Fort Lauderdale. The property has private beach access, two outdoor pools, a full spa, four restaurants, as well as tennis, volleyball, and shuffleboard courts. The rooms at Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club come complete with flat-screen TVs, 24-hour room service, and plush bathrobes. If you’re looking for a private beach vacation with a resort vibe, this could be the perfect spot for you.
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach
One of the best beachfront resort accommodations is Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach. Offering beautiful ocean views, this beachfront property features a fitness center, bar and restaurant, swimming pool, hot tub, and a 24-hour concierge. Guests can take advantage of room service and a stellar continental breakfast. The Conrad sits in a divine beachfront location and is located near popular tourist attractions like The Art Museum and The Swimming Hall of Fame.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale
✓ Best district in Fort Lauderdale for shopping & dining
If shopping and good food get you excited, lay your head down at Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Also known as the City Center, Downtown is home to many of the top attractions in Fort Lauderdale. From shopping on the legendary Las Olas Boulevard to chowing down at world-class restaurants to browsing art galleries & museums, there’s always something to do in Downtown.
Downtown is also famous for the Intracoastal Waterway, a series of connecting riverways where you can take a water taxi or river cruise that highlight the lavish Las Olas Isles and the natural wildlife of South Florida’s marshes.
There are hundreds of accommodation options available in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. You can find cheap motels, sophisticated hotels, or upscale luxury hotels. Downtown is a great place to find activities for families, but it’s also a good place to go if you are looking for an amazing food experience.
Riverside Hotel
This pet-friendly hotel features an outdoor heated pool as well as a gym. There are two on-site restaurants, one offering amazing seafood. You’ll also find other amenities like a pub/lounge, a boat dock for guests, and even a business center. All the rooms are spacious and feature coffee facilities, a mini-fridge, a safe, and a desk. The beds are comfortable, most delivering a great water view. The hotel is conveniently located near shops and restaurants as well as other water taxi stops and the airport.
Hyatt Centric Las Olas
One of the best Fort Lauderdale hotels, the Hyatt Centric Las Olas offers an amazing getaway for anyone traveling around the area. Combining a central location and an attractive price, The Hyatt features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a 24-hour concierge, and room service. Buffet breakfast is available for guests and there is a convenient onsite bar. Each room comes with A/C, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and a coffee machine. The hotel is located near all of the area’s top-notch restaurants and bars, as well as the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the airport.
Element Fort Lauderdale Downtown
This trendy hotel offers guests a dream vacation with plenty of nearby restaurants, a restaurant on-site, and a shared kitchen with a refrigerator for guest use. There are other shared common areas (lounges and terraces), and a bar & nightclub. The hotel offers guests an outdoor pool and 24-hour front desk help. Guests are welcomed to a continental or buffet-style breakfast and free beach shuttles. Rooms are spacious and clean with comfortable beds and flat-screen TVs.
Flagler Village
✓ Best neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale for art lovers
Looking for a quirky neighborhood close to the city center? Set your eyes on Flagler Village. Once an industrial district, the neighborhood has since been repurposed into art galleries, studios, and museums.
Flagler Village is famous for its vibrant and distinct wall murals. The village has an edgy, hip vibe and is a great place for live music, street art, handcrafted jewelry, and thrift shops. You’ll also find a smattering of craft breweries and trendy coffee shops.
There are limited accommodation choices and options in Flagler Village. But you shouldn’t let that deter you from staying in this cool neighborhood if it fits your vibe.
Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Downtown
The Courtyard by Marriott provides onsite parking for guests, a 24-hour reception, a fitness center, and a la carte breakfast. There’s also a swimming pool onsite. Each room comes with air conditioners, a desk, flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and comfortable beds. The hotel is conveniently located close to the art galleries, the shopping center, and the marina as well as restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Tru By Hilton Fort Lauderdale Downtown-Flagler Village
This popular Hilton Hotel sits in an ideal location. Offering all the amenities and services a guest could want, Tru by Hilton is an amazing choice when looking for a place to stay. Guests can enjoy the fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, and a bar and lounge as well as a billiards room. There are continental and a la carte breakfast options available as well. All rooms come with A/C, desk, fridge, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms.
Home2 Suites By Hilton Fort Lauderdale Downtown
The Home2 Suites are conveniently located near the shopping center, the Las Olas Marina, and the legendary Las Olas Boulevard. On-site there is a fitness center, sun terrace, an outdoor pool, a convenience store, and a business center. Rooms come with A/C, a 24-hour front desk and concierge help, private bathrooms, a wardrobe, desk, and flatscreen TV.
Victoria Park
✓ Top neighborhood for Old Florida charms and LGBT travelers
Established in the 1930s, Victoria Park is one of Fort Lauderdale’s most beautiful neighborhoods. The district is a prime spot for outdoor enthusiasts and architecture buffs.
Locals and tourists love spending time outdoors in Victoria Park amongst the beautiful architecture and gorgeous weather. Water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are popular, as are swimming, hiking, biking, and going to the beach.
Victoria Park is a laid-back, dog-friendly community with a popular outdoor area named Holiday Park. This public park has basketball and tennis courts, soccer and football fields, and a roller hockey rink. The park even holds fitness classes open to the public.
Las Olas Guesthouse
The Las Olas Guesthouse features a swimming pool and sun terrace. You’ll also enjoy a small complimentary breakfast including coffee, tea, juices, yogurt, and cereal, as well as granola bars and pastries. There’s free parking for guests. Rooms come with private bathrooms, cable TV, a microwave, and a refrigerator, as well as a coffee and tea maker. The guesthouse is conveniently located near the beach, shopping, dining options, entertainment as well as the airport.
Victoria Park Hotel
This beautiful hotel features a pool and a hot tub, as well as free parking and charging stations for electric cars. Rooms come with cable TV, a microwave and refrigerator, and super comfy beds. The Victoria Park Hotel is close to Holiday Park, the Galleria Shopping Mall, Las Olas Boulevard, and the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. It’s also located close to the Intracoastal waterway, so booking boat rides and having access to beach shops is super easy.
Alani Bay Luxury Condos
These luxury condos and apartment spaces make for an attractive beach accommodation option. From the sleek decor to the fully furnished living quarters, it’s the perfect place to stay while visiting South Florida. Guests are provided free parking, WiFi, and toiletries during their stay in their apartment or condo. Each unit also comes with A/C, flat-screen TV, living room and sofa, dining area, kitchen, and a private bathroom. The spacious self-contained apartments will make any beach vacation a dream come true.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
✓ Top area to stay for quieter beachside pleasures
Known as the best beach in Broward County, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a great alternative for travelers looking to enjoy a quieter beachside stay outside the city center. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers miles of beach but is most famous for its “beach diving.”
With a natural coral reef just off the shore that you can easily swim to, the area is primed for superb scuba diving and snorkeling. Home to some of the top-rated Fort Lauderdale beaches, it’s quickly becoming a favorite spot for tourists and locals.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea also has an array of oceanside restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs. Whether you’re looking for a romantic setting or a night out on the town, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is one of the top side excursions from Fort Lauderdale.
Horizon by the Sea Inn
The Horizon by the Sea Inn offers studio apartment-style rooms as well as standard hotel-style rooms. Every room comes with a TV, safe deposit box, and private bathroom. The studio apartments come with a fully-equipped kitchen. All guests have access to free parking. The onsite swimming pool and sun deck, picnic area, and garden are also accessible. Horizon by the Sea is conveniently located within walking distance to the beach as well as restaurants and shops.
Plunge Beach Resort
The Plunge Beach Resort will make your stay easy and fun. They offer on-site parking as well as free bike rentals for guests. There’s a coffee shop, 24-hour fitness center, a swimming pool, and a bar and kitchen serving cocktails and snacks. The resort has access to water sports facilities and can set up activities like snorkeling and diving. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV and a small refrigerator, as well as private bathrooms. There are sea-view rooms as well as pool-view rooms. The resort is closely located to the Galleria Shopping Center and the Las Olas Marina.
Tides Inn Hotel
This gorgeous beach hotel offers guests beautiful views of the pool, gardens, and sea. There’s a pool, sun deck, a private beach area, and even bike rentals. Guests are also welcome to a grab-and-go breakfast each morning. Rooms come with a flat-screen TV, Blu-ray and DVD player, and cable channels. The rooms also come with a coffee maker, private bathrooms, slippers, and bathrobes.
