Hotels in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Best time to visit Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is one of the few places that boasts average temperatures of 60 – 80-degree Fahrenheit, for over 6 months straight, from December – April. If you are visiting around the holidays, such as Christmas or Easter, try to book your accommodation in advance. This is also the peak tourist season and hotel rates tend to be on the higher side throughout the season. From May, rains are more frequent and the average temperature continues to rise steadily to as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. June – November is official hurricane season in Fort Lauderdale. If you plan to visit during this time, remember to bring a hat, an umbrella and plenty of sunscreen.

Getting around Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale’s public transport includes trolleys and buses. Sun Trolley operates along the beach and downtown as well as to Las Olas Boulevard. The downtown link is free while fare for the Beach and La Olas links is $1 USD for a single ride or $3 USD for a Day Pass. The Broward County Transit system offers buses throughout the city. Regular one-way fare is $2 USD or you can purchase an All Day Pass for $5 USD. Cycling is an excellent way to explore some parts of the city. The official bike-share program Broward County B-cycle offers access to several bike stations around downtown. A single ride cost $5 USD per 30 minutes up to a maximum of 10 rides per day. Another unique way of getting around and sightseeing is via water taxis that travel along the Intracoastal and New River stopping at 12 popular sites. You can hop on and off the boats all day for $26 USD (for adults) and $12 USD (for children ages 5 – 11). If you plan to explore the surrounding towns, having your own vehicle will be useful. It is easy to drive in the city as streets are laid out in a grid-based pattern with “avenues” running north-south and “streets” running east-west. If you are considering hiring a vehicle, find great deals on car rentals with momondo.

Best places to stay in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a quintessential Florida town with wide beaches, palm tree lined streets, extravagant shopping and dining. Also known as the “Venice of America,” the city boasts over 185 miles of navigable waterways and canals. It also hosts the annual International Boat Show that attracts thousands of yachting enthusiasts from across the globe. The city’s Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ship ports in the world. Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale depends on whether you wish to wake up to splendid beach and ocean views, or be close to lively streets lined with shopping, dining and entertainment.

Downtown Fort Lauderdale and Las Olas Boulevard

Downtown streets are filled with gleaming high-rises and a wide range of restaurants and boutiques, as well many of the popular sites and attractions. Stay in this area if you enjoy an urban setting with a tropical touch. Las Olas Boulevard stretches from the beach at A1A to the palm tree lined downtown area and is the heart and soul of Fort Lauderdale. The entire stretch is lined with hotels, shopping, dining, and a nightlife extravaganza. In the heart of downtown, check out the Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale / Downtown Las Olas Area hotel, just blocks from the Las Olas Boulevard Riverfront and adjacent to the Historic District. On the lively Las Olas Boulevard, stay in tropical themed rooms and suites with skyline and river views at the Riverside Hotel. For a luxurious stay consider The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale that boasts spacious and elegant oceanfront rooms, a heated infinity pool, an ultra-luxe spa, and several other beachfront amenities.

East Fort Lauderdale

This is the picturesque beachfront neighborhood that most vacationers prefer. This area is home to several museums and parks, and offers beautiful beaches and stunning ocean views. You will find several luxury hotels in this part of the city. Steps away from the beach, check out the W Fort Lauderdale hotel set in 2 dramatic sailboat inspired designer towers. The hotel offers stylish, contemporary rooms with unparalleled ocean views, a glamorous rooftop pool, an award-winning steakhouse, a sushi bar, and a luxurious spa. Located near the International Swimming Hall of Fame, you have the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. This 44-acre resort is just a 7-minute drive from Downtown Fort Lauderdale and offers bright airy rooms and suites with courtyard, marina, or Atlantic Ocean views.

Hollywood and Dania Beach

Just south of Fort Lauderdale are smaller towns such as Hollywood and Dania. Hollywood boasts a variety of entertainment venues, shops and restaurants. Dania’s main attraction is streets lined with antique and collectibles shops. The town also has several quaint restaurants and sports venues as well as the Dania Beach Pier. Both towns feature gorgeous beaches, including the Hollywood North Beach Park, where you can often find sea turtles. In the charming town of Dania, stay in Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport – Cruise Port hotel which offers stylish, modern guest rooms and a host of on-site amenities. In the heart of downtown Hollywood Florida, stay at the Beach & Town Motel, boasting the town’s largest swimming pool and simple traditional pool-facing rooms. The hotel is located just a 5-minute walk to the shopping, dining and entertainment in Young Circle and a 5-minute drive to Hollywood Beach.

Cheap hotels in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is an expensive destination with mostly glitzy, high-end hotels. However, the city also offers affordable hotels that will not stretch your wallet. Set in a gleaming white and pastel yellow building you have the Premiere Hotel Fort Lauderdale offering a traditional Florida vacation just steps from the beach. For an inviting family friendly atmosphere, consider the Bridge at Cordova Hotel with comfortable rooms and suites and several complimentary extras. Just a 3-minute walk from Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, check out the Bahia Cabana Beach Resort, a simple waterfront hotel with brightly decorated and well-equipped guest rooms.

With a mix of stunning scenery and vibrant attractions, Fort Lauderdale is a gorgeous short-stay destination for families and couples, as well as solo travelers. You have a range of amazing beaches, beachfront promenades and canals to enjoy water-based activities, while the lively inner city areas such as Las Olas Boulevard and Riverwalk offer diverse art galleries, museums and plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment.

• Lounge around the wide white sand Fort Lauderdale Beach, swim in the crystal blue seawater or shop and dine along the beachside promenade.
• Visit the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, an ornately decorated art-filled plantation home, set on a lush estate that will greatly appeal to art lovers, history buffs, and nature lovers.
• Book an airboat tour of the Florida Everglades at the Sawgrass Recreation Park and be amazed by the wide range of flora and fauna within the park.
• Enjoy popular sights from the water when you sign up for a sightseeing cruise. Jungle Queen Riverboats is one of the oldest and most renowned operators offering such cruises.
• Visit the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park where you can canoe or kayak in dune lakes, bike along the nearly 2-mile paved park drive, hike the Coastal Hammock Trail, or try catching fish at the seawall.
• If you are travelling with kids, spend some time at the Museum of Discovery and Science.
• If you’re into vintage cars, don’t miss a visit to the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum that features automobiles dated 1900 and onwards.
• Admire over 6,000 pieces of modern art from all over the globe at the NSU Art Museum.
• Opt for a guided tour of the historic Stranahan House Museum, the oldest house in Fort Lauderdale, offering a glimpse into the history and culture of the area.
• Spend time on Las Olas Boulevard. Shop at high-end boutiques and quirky specialty stores, sample cuisines from diverse restaurants, and find a nightspot of your liking to party through the night.
• If you’re not interested in the nightclubs, enjoy a ballet, opera, or Broadway musical performance at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.