Hello All,

We will be in the Ft. Lauderdale area in December following our return from a cruise and are planning to stay an additional 4 days before flying home. I've been researching places to stay and would like some advice. There is an interesting sounding place north of Ft. Lauderdale called Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Anyone familiar with it and have any recommendations for accommodations in this area? Looking for something quiet and relaxing near the ocean and not too far from Ft. Lauderdale so we can easily get back to the airport.

Thank you.

Sandee,

The LCT Favorites are The Hyatt Pier 66 - sometimes available via Priceline or the Marriott in FLL.

I don't recommend the Yankee Trader or Yankee Clipper - both Sheraton's - they need remodelling. I've stayed a the Doubletree Galleria, which is formerly an Embassy Suites. and it's okay. The Atlantic is new and if you want a resort, okay too!

Hi Sandee,

It's been a few years since I've been to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, but unless they have done some major revamping, I'd look elsewhere. Order the booklet from their website, for sure, and maybe others who have been there more recently can jump in and help.

Well the Hyatt Pier 66 is not on the beach but on the Intracoastal. The Marriott Harbor Beach is right on the beach but is not exactly quiet - lots of families with children.

There is a brand new St Regis that just opened but might be a bit pricey. Friends on Flyertalk seem to all love the Westin Diplomat but that might be a bit far for you since it's in Hollywood, FL.

Isn't Hollywood Florida next to Ft Lauderdale?

I just spent 5 Days in Boca and we went to Hollywood and Pompano Beach between the Airport and Boca? Three is a new mall in Boca that was wonderful..Saks, Nordies, Bloomies, and a bunch of other really great and unique small stores too.

There's a fairly new hotel in Ft. Lauderdale called, I think, The Atlantic which also is supposed to have an excellent restaurant. It is on the beach and I have heard it is lovely. Also, a must not miss is a walk on Las Olas Blvd.which is sort of the central point of Ft. Lauderdale and has many upscale restaurants and stores.

Nini

What about that place Lago-Mar? I know its right on the beach, and is supposed to be very nice, its been there a long time - and I've never stayed there, only at Pier 66, but have seen it as you cruise out of the harbor on a ship.

Nini, I wanted to try the Atlantic last time I was in FLL. I would be interested in hearing some opinions of those who have stayed there!

We stayed at the Atlantic last year; it's across the highway from the beach and while it is a very luxurious hotel, the area around it hadn't caught up yet. The restaurant in the hotel is very, very expensive. I had a bunch of Starwood points that I had to either use or lose because I didn't have a Starwood stay in future plans. Gorgeous hotel, but I wouldn't pay the hugical $$$ to stay there until there was something more around it.

Kathy, Hollywood is South of the Ft. Lauderdale airport. Pompano is North of Lauderdale-by-the Sea. They all kind of "run together" with a city limit sign here and there until you get N. of Pompano.

If I remember correctly, there are also some new-builds that weren't going to be ready for my last December cruise. I will see if I can find what those were, they might be ready for your cruise, Sandee.

For luxury in Ft. Lauderdale,I agree with peteropny. I'd look into the St. Regis. Depending on when in December, you might be able to get some good rates.

I would suggest that you rethink the need to be in FLL for its proximity to the airport...especially if you want a quiet location. From even as far north as Palm Beach, you're only an hour from the FLL airport.

Here are some reviews and pictures on Trip advisor of the Hilton beach resort.

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort Opens; Marks a New Beginning for
Affluent North Beach Community


FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.
The highly anticipated Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort (NYSE:HLT),
an all-suite landmark property located on the world-acclaimed
shoreline of Fort Lauderdale's exclusive North Beach, has officially
opened.


"This is an important event for both Hilton and Fort Lauderdale as a
destination," said Andreas Ioannou, general manager, Hilton Fort
Lauderdale Beach Resort. "We are fortunate to be one of the first new
properties to open in this burgeoning beachfront community that will
attract discerning travelers from all over the globe. And, while
location is important, what will set us apart is our commitment to
providing unique and enriching experiences and helping guests get the
most out of their travels with Hilton."


"As the newest addition to the collection of Hilton resorts around the
world, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort offers an array of
upscale amenities and personalized services just steps away from one
of Florida's most beautiful beaches," said Jeff Diskin, senior vice
president of Hilton Brand Management. "This exciting new resort will
reinforce the Hilton philosophy that travel should be relaxing,
pampering and invigorating."


Guests staying at the spectacular 25-story property can arrange to be
met at the Fort Lauderdale Airport by a private chauffeur in a luxury
automobile equipped with bottled water and remote check-in services.
Young travelers can delight in being greeted by their own children's
concierge and introduced to the resort's innovative Ocean Explorers
program, offering a bevy of activities that take place on property and
throughout the community.


The resort's elegantly appointed 373 designer-furnished ocean view
studios, one, two and three-bedroom suites each feature bathrooms with
separate showers and European soaking tubs with whirlpool jets, high
definition flat-screen televisions and private ocean view balconies
offering expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. Each suite is also
outfitted with the Hilton Serenity Collection® of luxurious in-room
amenities. The Hilton Serenity Bed features the Serta Suite Dreams®
mattress and box springs, Pacific Coast® down duvet, Super Topper
mattress pads, and high-quality linens and pillows. The Hilton
Serenity Collection in-room coffee system features world-renowned
Lavazza® coffee from Italy, and an exclusive Cuisinart® dual-cup,
single-brew coffeemaker. The Hilton Serenity Bath Collection offers
the exclusive Crabtree & Evelyn La Source® line of bath amenities.


The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort offers a grocery concierge who
is available to ensure that every suite's kitchen is stocked to handle
any craving throughout each guest's stay. Those enjoying a romantic
getaway may prefer wine & cheese and champagne, while families may
count on peanut butter & jelly, juice boxes and fruit snacks as their
staples.


Personal service is also exemplified on the 25,000-sq.-ft. Sunrise
Terrace, featuring a zero-entry pool and private sunning cabanas.
Scented towels and bottles of chilled water are offered to all guests.
Servers discreetly transmit orders to the kitchen with a wireless
device to ensure prompt service. Across North Fort Lauderdale Beach
Boulevard, a beach concierge offers chaise lounge chairs, umbrellas,
towels, private cabanas, food & beverage service (also through the
wireless waiter system) and ensures that guests are aware of where
they can get certified to scuba dive or when the next beach fitness
aerobics class is taking place.


Travelers can choose from three distinct dining options, including
ilio - an upscale signature restaurant of contemporary Mediterranean
cuisine with a tropical poolside setting. Coming soon is Le Marche, a
gourmet neighborhood market specializing in fresh baked goods,
hand-made pizzas and paninis baked in an authentic wood burning oven,
fresh tropical-inspired salads and sandwiches and the coolest
beverages on the beachwalk. Also, Fort Lauderdale's newest spa, Spa Q,
will be available to resort guests as a full-service facility offering
indoor and outdoor treatments as well as a sophisticated ocean view
fitness center with the latest Precor equipment.


Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort offers 10,000-sq.-ft. of flexible
indoor meeting space including a 3,200-sq.-ft. Del Sol ballroom.
Guests can also enjoy wireless Internet service, 24-hour in-room
dining, a multi-lingual concierge team, bellman and valet service as
well as a business center with the latest technology.


Additionally, resort guests can take advantage of the resort's
exclusive partnerships and promotions with attractions in the area
including Saks Fifth Avenue, Parkland Golf Club, Museum of Discovery
and Science, Joe Picasso's Interactive Art Studio and more.


Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is located at 505 North Fort
Lauderdale Beach Boulevard between Sunrise and Las Olas Boulevards.
For information and reservations, call your travel professional.


Travelers staying at this hotel have the opportunity to participate in
the Hilton HHonors guest rewards program, allowing guests to earn both
hotel points and airline miles for the same stay at more than 2,800
hotels worldwide.


About Hilton Hotels


With nearly 500 hotels on six continents, Hilton Hotels continues to
be an innovative leader in the full-service hospitality segment and
the most recognized name in the industry. Hilton celebrates the
accomplishment, enlightenment, renewal and celebration that travel
enables. This commitment to personal guest achievement infuses all
decisions about products, programs and amenities, and is underscored
by the belief that travel can and should be transformative. Each
unique Hilton Hotel was designed to reflect the sense of place of its
location; each team member chosen to reflect the local culture and
community. For more information, please contact your travel
professional.

We live 5 minutes from the Diplomat Hotel. Its very busy with lots of conventions. The trip to the airport from there is only 15 minutes. I would opt for the St Regis in FLL. Lots of restaurants in the area and a great beach. Remember the last few weeks before the Holidays are not season here so you should be able to get a great rate at most hotels.
Kathy, that mall in Boca is the Town Mall and its not new at all....been there for years. I think it might have had a face lift in the last few years!

Well, when I am in Boca, my friend picks me up at the Airport and drives me where ever our destinations are. I am so happy to spend time with her. I guess the Boca Town Mall was re-done since I'd been there for an all girls weekend a couple years ago when the Nordstrom was brand new. Next visit, I am going back to Sawgrass Mills with an empty suitcase for the trip home - when it will be full.

Strolling Las Olas is a lot of fun. We also did something a few years back called Sunfest and some Jazz thing on Friday nights somewhere else on a different visit. We went to the Festival Marketplace - and I did not buy anything this time there.

Yup, Town Center Mall has been here for 25+ years. About 10 years ago it added Bloomies, a few years ago Nordstroms....and Neimans arrived about a year or two ago. Like much of south florida, it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Not sure that bigger is always better, but there it is!

Just saw your post, Kathy..and editing to add that Sunfest is going on right now in Palm Beach.

I have a potential job in Boca sometime in the next few months. When I come in, I will have some time to meet up with the LCT'ers. Will let you know! Not a lot of playtime, but, certainly time for a bite to eat one night. The Grand Lux over at Town Center was pretty yummy - but we have one here in LA.

Kathy - let us know when you are coming in - we are here until July 14, then in Banff until Sept. 20 (it's good to get out of this heat during the worst of the summer).

I'm sure we can find somewhere that would be new for you to try.

Nini

Nini - no doubt! Banff sounds like an Ideal summer spot to me!

Are you planning on renting a car?

If I come to work In Boca? I probably will - then I will get my bearings straight! But possible that my friend will join me working. A friend of hers created a product selling at Sharper Image, Brookstone etc. and it's selling like hot cakes. But stupidly, she didn't expect it to take off so rapidly and she's invested $300k with no set of books an never filed any taxes, has NO inventory system.