Eylul Tunc 
Getting ready to visit Fort Lauderdale? I’m your gal when it comes to planning your trip!
Read this post because I’ve compared ALL the best areas and hotels to help you decide where to stay in Fort Lauderdale in just minutes!
In this blog post, I share the 7 best areas to stay in the city for tourists and give you an overview of the best hotels for all budgets. I hand-picked them by price and rating so you can be sure that you are getting the best available option within your budget.
The best area to stay for first-timers is Las Olas! It’s near all things cool, has many accommodation options, and is not far from the beach!
Talking about booking – I highly recommend you make a reservation as soon as you decide on the hotel. This way, you can secure the best deals in the marvelous Venice of America! After all, the city is visited by more than 13 million people every year!
If you are in a hurry
Explore the best places to stay in Las Olas and Downtown, with hotels from luxury to budget:
Contents
- If you are in a hurry
- Which area should you choose – the beach or the city?
- 1. Las Olas & Downtown – where to stay for first-timers
- 2. Fort Lauderdale Beach – where to stay for the beach hotels
- 3. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea – where to stay for families
- 4. Harbordale / 17th Street Causeway – if you are taking a cruise
- 5. Dania Beach – where to stay for layovers
- 6. Hollywood Beach – where to stay on a budget
- 7. Victoria Park and Flagler Village – for a hip stay
- Things to know about hotels in Fort Lauderdale
- BONUS: Best beachfront hotels in Fort Lauderdale
- FAQs about where to stay in Fort Lauderdale
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map to help you visualize the Fort Lauderdale areas I’ll discuss in this blog post:
- LAS OLAS & DOWNTOWN FT LAUDERDALE : for first-timers
- FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH : for the beach
- LAUDERDALE BY THE SEA : for relaxation
- HARBORDALE / 17TH STREET CAUSEWAY : before a cruise
- DANIA BEACH : for layovers
- HOLLYWOOD BEACH : on a budget
- VICTORIA PARK & FLAGLER VILLAGE: for a hipster stay
Which area should you choose – the beach or the city?
The best area to stay in Fort Lauderdale depends on the season and purpose of your trip.
- Visiting in summer, for swimming and enjoying beaches, makes staying by the beach a better option.
For the best beach vacation, head to:
- Fort Lauderdale Beach,
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
- Dania Beach
- Hollywood Beach
- For active sightseeing of attractions and off-season visits, it’s better to stay in the city.
The best city areas include:
- Downtown
- Las Olas
- Victoria Park
Harbordale is best for pre-cruise and post-cruise stays!
NOTE: You’ll need a car for active sightseeing across different areas. Most hotels offer private parking for an extra fee, ranging from $10 to $40 per day.
1. Las Olas & Downtown – where to stay for first-timers
For first-time visitors to Fort Lauderdale, I invite you to pick a hotel in Las Olas, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, for the best active vacation!
The city’s entertainment district, Las Olas Boulevard, has the best nightlife, sightseeing spots, fine-dining eateries, and the most luxurious hotels (like Hyatt Centric)! It’s also known for its Wharf Fort Lauderdale event space with the best music and cocktails!
In Las Olas and the rest of Downtown, you can catch the iconic Water Taxis to sail around Venice of America’s signature waterways. You can get all-day water taxi passes here for your own water taxi tour of the city!
Stroll past the Riverwalk (New River) trails to see gigantic yachts sailing in and visit the NSU Art Museum or the International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum. Also, check out the Broward Center for the Performing Arts near the beautiful Esplanade Park and the Museum of Discovery & Science for an immersive learning experience for all ages!
You can also try scuba diving and snorkeling! This is the scuba diving tour I highly recommend!
With many free things to do for couples, fun activities for students, and things to do at night for partygoers, Fort Lauderdale Downtown and Las Olas attract young people from across the country!
Let’s check out the best places to stay in Las Olas:
Located near Downtown, this beachfront hotel offers comfortable rooms with a balcony overlooking the ocean, a lovely outdoor pool, a fitness center, a spa, and private beach access. At night, you can enjoy oceanfront dining with amazing views and have cocktails at the elegant bar.
Other accommodation options in Las Olas & Downtown
This hotel is within walking distance to both the beach and Downtown, has a swimming pool, and comfortable rooms
This hotel has a central location near Downtown and offers free Wi-Fi, spacious rooms, and free parking
A modern, cute, and centrally located Airbnb with everything without walking distance
Things to do in Las Olas & Downtown
- Embark on a Jungle Queen Riverboat or Las Olas Gondola boat tour
- Visit the Historic Stranahan House Museum, a 1901 trading post
- Stroll past the Colee Hammock Park and Las Olas Oceanside Park
- Explore the International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum
- Attend a fun event or party at Huizenga Plaza
- Explore the New River Inn Open-Air Market
2. Fort Lauderdale Beach – where to stay for the beach hotels
Sun, sea, sand, mouth-watering foods, and fun tourist attractions. What else do you need? You’ll find all of that and more in Fort Lauderdale Beach.
A top attraction in the area is the lovely Bonnet House Museum & Gardens estate from the early 20th century, but that’s not all! The Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a nearby giant park with a freshwater lagoon and diverse wildlife, ideal for hiking and fishing.
Start your day by heading to the beautiful Fort Lauderdale Central Beach to relax and enjoy the picturesque views of palm trees lining the white sand.
When you get hungry, walk to the beach bars and restaurants in the surrounding streets to have a meal and watch the sunset. This area has some of the coolest restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, including Lona Cocina Tequileria!
Central Beach has chairs, umbrellas, and picnic tables you can rent (around $40 per day), so you can easily spend a day there with easy access to bars, restaurants and water activities!
Try boating, snorkeling, or even go on a cruise! You can catch a boat tour from the nearby Bahia Mar Marina!
The best part is that Downtown is just a short ride away, so you can fit in sightseeing in Fort Lauderdale!
You will find many nice hotels in Fort Lauderdale Beach, but in order not to miss the best hotels that I carefully picked for you, make sure you book your stay in advance.
And since you are in Florida, if you want to add another nice beach destination to your itinerary, check out the best places to stay in Key West!
An iconic 4-star beachfront hotel with a lovely garden, free bikes, and 2 on-site restaurants! Enjoy their outdoor swimming pool, bar cocktails, and the best-in-class Poolside Junior Suite. They have many room setups to meet the needs of large groups, too.
Other accommodation options in Fort Lauderdale Beach
One of the top oceanfront hotels in Fort Lauderdale with a fabulous outdoor pool and great value for money
A nice 3-star hotel with the cutest rooms and patio, also featuring a pool and (paid, US$10/day) parking
Ocean Residence Junior Suite with a spa, a pool, and a lounge on the property
Things to do in Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Go to the beautiful Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
- Have a blast at Elbo Room, one of the best bars in Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Take a boat tour from Bahia Mar Marina
- Admire the view from the Central Beach at night
- Eat out at the epic Lona Cocina Tequileria
3. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea – where to stay for families
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (LBTS) is located 4 miles north of Beach Fort Lauderdale and is the best area to stay if you’re traveling with kids. You will find stunning, quiet beaches ideal for snorkeling and diving.
LBTS offers beautiful boardwalks where you can enjoy sunset strolls. You’ll also find nice fish restaurants and green parks for the kids. Places of interest include the Anglin’s Fishing Pier and the El Prado Park overlooking the sea.
I recommend this neighborhood for families for its laid-back beaches that enable kids-friendly water sports activities. The area is known as the best one for diving and snorkeling!
What I love about this district is how it keeps its original charm despite the rest of Fort Lauderdale seeing significant upgrades! You can stroll past the streets and see the same buildings as the people who lived there in the 1950s!
This being said, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea doesn’t feature any luxury 5-star hotels. For a luxury experience with your family, check out the hotels in Fort Lauderdale Beach! Also, a bit further north from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (17 minutes by car), you’ll find the lovely Pompano Beach suitable for family stays!
Other accommodation options in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
One of the best family-friendly Lauderdale-by-the-Sea hotels with spacious rooms with city views, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and free parking
This lovely vacation rental can sleep 4 people and is just one block away from the beach
This Airbnb has beautifully decorated rooms, free parking, and it’s close to public beaches
Things to do in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
- Enjoy a sunset walk at Anglin’s Fishing Pier or El Prado Park
- Have a drink and delicious snacks at Bokampers Sports Bar & Grill
- Join a morning yoga session on the beach at the popular Ocean Manor Resort
4. Harbordale / 17th Street Causeway – if you are taking a cruise
If you’re looking for a convenient area to stay pre-cruise or post-cruise, Harbordale (around Port Everglades) is an excellent option!
This cruise port area is also known as 17th Street Causeway and is perfect for cruise travelers! The connection with Port Everglades, as well as with the airport, is superb!
Here, you can enjoy the Intracoastal Highway in multiple setups: take a water taxi, have dinner with a view, or take a boat tour!
Did you know that Fort Lauderdale is basically a Yachting Capital of the World? Yep, there are over 42,000 yachts registered in the city!
If you’re wondering where to go in Fort Lauderdale to try Florida’s best seafood, Harbordale has got you covered! 15th Street Fisheries is the absolute winner!
As I said, many people visit Fort Lauderdale as a pre-cruise or post cruise destination. One of the most legendary cruises is by a company called Royal Caribbean. Their Allure of the Seas ship is the most popular one!
Harbordale is a 10-minute ride from Las Olas, so you’ll still be just a short lift from the Downtown attractions!
Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel
A 4-star resort near the cruise port with a pool, a gym, a bar lounge, and premium bedding. They have a daily buffet breakfast priced at US$22, while the outdoor pool comes with complimentary cabanas. If you’re wondering where to stay in Fort Lauderdale before a Disney cruise, here is your answer!
Other accommodation options in Harbordale
A 3.5-star hotel with a pool near the train station; one of the best Fort Lauderdale hotels for 18-year-olds
This 2.5-star hotel has the perfect location near the port, serves free breakfast, and has airport transfer
A cozy and modern apartment with plenty of light and a fully equipped kitchen
Things to do in Harbordale
- Visit the Broward County Convention Center
- Take a taxi from the Water Taxi Stops at E 17th Street
- Chill in the Harbordale Park
- Try grilled oysters at the Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant
5. Dania Beach – where to stay for layovers
Are you coming to Fort Lauderdale for a short time and want to spend time chilling at the beach? Then Dania Beach is the place to stay! Here, you can find hotels in Fort Lauderdale near the airport AND the beach!
The beach here has far fewer tourists than the ones in Fort Lauderdale, so if you’re looking for a secluded stay while still being a short ride from the tourist attractions, you’ve found your spot! There are paid parking, bathrooms, and chair rental services around.
Dania Beach has iconic attractions like The Casino @ Dania Beach, The Secret Woods Nature Center and the fisherman-favorite Dania Beach Pier!
Majestic Flamingo Gardens, a botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary, is only a 20-minute ride from Dania Beach! Get your ticket and access to their legendary tram tour here!
The nearby Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is a great place to relax, but you can also try diving and fishing.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Fort Lauderdale for shopping, Dania Beach is a great option! You can enjoy the Dania Pointe shopping mall and the local Bass Pro Shop with all types of hunting and outdoor gear you may need!
Some of the best hotels near Fort Lauderdale airport are located here, so let’s check them out:
Conveniently situated between the airport and the beach, this 4-star has an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and modern, mobility-accessible rooms with ultra-comfortable bedding!
Other accommodation options in Dania Beach
A 3-star hotel near the airport with a children’s play area and a Mini Market with snacks open 24 hours
A chic hotel for the younger crowd, featuring free breakfast and super friendly staff
An affordable 1-BR 1-bathroom place for 4 people and a shared outdoor pool
Things to do in Dania Beach
- Spend a day at the Dania Beach
- Walk on the Dania Pier
- Shop until you drop at Dania Pointe
- Visit The Secret Woods Nature Center
6. Hollywood Beach – where to stay on a budget
Hollywood Beach is located 10 miles (16 km) South of Las Olas in Downtown Fort Lauderdale and is the best neighborhood to stay on a budget.
The best part of staying here is that you will still be near the beaches, including the Hollywood Dog Beach!
Hollywood Beach is a very relaxed and beautiful beach where you can lay on the powdery sand, swim in the turquoise water, and walk along the picturesque Hollywood Broadwalk. Sky Beach Chair Rentals is the leading beach equipment rental service in town.
You will find numerous shops, seafood restaurants, and bars on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, so you don’t even need to go Downtown if you don’t feel like it! Also, this cute Yellow Green Farmers Market is a great place to grab a bite and connect with the locals!
As you can see, there are tons of cheap things to do in Hollywood Beach, so you won’t have to break the bank on your vacation!
Here, you can find all kinds of hotels. To make your job easy, I found the top 4 ones for all budgets. Just make sure to book your hotel in advance to get better deals. If you plan to continue your trip to South Florida, check out my article on the best places to stay in Miami.
This is one of the best hotels with beach access near Fort Lauderdale, FL. It has a nice outdoor swimming pool and contemporary rooms with a unique ocean view. At night, you can have drinks and snacks in the hotel bar with spectacular views. With its romantic rooms, I highly recommend this hotel for couples looking for a nice escape in Fort Lauderdale.
Other accommodation options in Hollywood Beach
This beachfront hotel offers a unique stay by the ocean and has comfortable rooms with a stunning view
A fabulous 2-star hotel with an on-site bar and featuring free Wi-Fi, just next to the beach
This Airbnb has modern-style rooms with great amenities within walking distance of the beach
Things to do in Hollywood Beach, Fort Lauderdale
- Go for a stroll at Harry Berry Park or Charnow Park
- Take the Hollywood Trolley Downtown for sightseeing
- Have a delicious seafood meal at Billy’s Stone Crab Restaurant
- Visit the Anne Kolb Nature Center
- Take a day trip to Dania Beach
7. Victoria Park and Flagler Village – for a hip stay
Victoria Park is one of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest neighborhoods located East of Downtown and North of Las Olas Boulevard.
Have a picnic or play sports in the Holiday Park, visit the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, or enjoy the numerous dining options. The Parker is a small theater hosting Broadway plays, comedies, and various other shows.
If you’re visiting with a dog, know that many restaurants here are pet-friendly, and there’s a great dog park in the area, too!
Across the US 1 Highway from Victoria Park and just north of Downtown, you’ll find Flagler Village. This hip area has fabulous nightlife with cafes and bars like the Chops + Hops!
Flagler Village has a thriving street art culture and is home to various breweries like the Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery. Near Flagler Village, you’ll find Wilton Manors, a residential area with plenty of cool bars and restaurants, including LGBTQ+ places.
Both areas are easily accessible to Downtown and the beaches, so you’ll be ideally nestled to experience the best of both worlds!
This 4-star Tribute Portfolio hotel is conveniently located between Las Olas and Flagler Village. Fabulous interior and upscale amenities like an outdoor pool, a gym, and 5 restaurants on-site make it the best luxury hotel in the area. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms, and you can take free bikes from the hotel to go to the beach!
Other accommodation options in Victoria Park & Flagler Village
This 3-star hotel has an outdoor pool, a gym, and an on-site bar; free Wi-Fi and AC in all rooms
A boat vacation rental for a unique experience and ultimate freedom; offers access to a pool and a hot tub
This condo looks like it came out of a magazine; it can fit 6 guests and is near the beach
Things to do in Victoria Park & Flagler Village
- Spend a day out in the Victoria Park
- Explore Flagler Village’s vibrant nightlife
- Catch a show at The Parker Theater
- Have a drink in the legendary Glitch Bar
- Go to the nearby Fort Lauderdale Beach
| 👑 Luxury price: | $300 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | $170 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $120 |
| 📍 Best area: | Fort Lauderdale Beach |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Pelican Grand Beach |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Aqua Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Blue Door Inn |
Things to know about hotels in Fort Lauderdale
Lodging in Fort Lauderdale may be a bit different from your typical hotel, I thought you should know and keep your eye on.
Most of them are regarding extra costs for some amenities:
- If the room description doesn’t include “Free Wi-Fi” or “Wi-Fi in room” that may mean that they do have Wi-Fi, but only in the lobby and you may have to pay extra (around $15 per day) to actually use it in the room. If even in doubt, just double check before booking.
- Most hotels charge extra for parking. The price can vary from $10-$40 per day depending on the hotel.
- You usually have to rent umbrellas and chairs on all beaches. The price is around $20 for umbrellas and $10 per chair for one day. Beachfront hotels will usually offer those for free, and so do some hotels in the city like Hyatt Centric.
- Surprisingly, but all hotel rooms have AC. If you’re visiting during the season, make sure this amenity is mentioned in the room description. You’ll need it!
BONUS: Best beachfront hotels in Fort Lauderdale
Visiting Fort Lauderdale for a summer vacation? Then you’ll love this ultimate list of the best hotels on (or VERY near) the beach, sorted by budget!
P.S. I specifically checked, and all of the options below have AC!
Luxury
- Four Seasons – A new 5-star resort on the beach with free bikes, outdoor pools, a classy interior, private parking ($US50/day), and a delicious on-site restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.
- Hotel Maren – This 4-star hotel offers 360-degree panorama views, direct beach access, an outdoor pool, and luxurious rooms with a sea view in the center of all the action.
- The Lago Mar Beach Resort – A tropical resort with 500 feet of private beach, free Wi-Fi in rooms, volleyball courts, and many other fabulous amenities! Ideally suited for couples AND families!
- The Ritz-Carlton – A gigantic oceanfront resort with an infinity pool, private cabanas, and free chairs and umbrellas you can hit the beach with! Private parking and Wi-Fi are available at an extra charge.
Mid-range
- North Beach Hotel – One of the most popular hotels for partygoers (it can get loud here at night, so see if that’ll work for you!) just a block from the beach with a jacuzzi, 4 swimming pools, and private parking for $10 per day.
- West Unit Vacation Rental – This cozy vacation rental for the whole family is your home away from home in Fort Lauderdale! It’s walkable to the beach, has an outdoor play area, and tons of nearby restaurants.
Budget
- Premiere Hotel – A 2-star hotel with fabulous reviews right on North Fort Lauderdale Beach! They offer free parking and Wi-Fi, too! Great location whether you’re visiting with a car or on foot.
- Snooze Hotel – Lovely 2-star accommodation on Fort Lauderdale Beach with free Wi-Fi and spacious beds. You can enjoy water activities (scuba diving, snorkeling) and delicious restaurants within walking distance from here.
FAQs about where to stay in Fort Lauderdale
🗺️ What is the best area to stay in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Fort Lauderdale Beach is the best area for first-timers thanks to its proximity to the beach and attractions. Pelican Grand Beach and Aqua Hotel are some of the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale Beach.
🕺🏻 Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale for nightlife?
Las Olas is the best place to stay in Fort Lauderdale for nightlife. You will find tons of lively bars and restaurants on Las Olas Boulevard. The best hotels in this area are Tribute Portfolio Hotel and Hyatt Centric.
🚶♀️ Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale without a car?
Fort Lauderdale Beach is the heart of the city, and if you stay here, you can reach the main attractions without a car. Some of the best hotels to stay here are Pelican Grand Beach and Aqua Hotel.
🏖️ Which are the best beachfront hotels in Fort Lauderdale?
Costa Hollywood Beach in Hollywood Beach and Pelican Grand Beach in Fort Lauderdale are some of the best beachfront hotels in Fort Lauderdale.
🤔 Is Fort Lauderdale a good holiday destination?
Yes, Fort Lauderdale is a good holiday destination with its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, shops, and restaurants.
✅ Is Fort Lauderdale safe?
Yes! Fort Lauderdale is safe for tourists for the most part, and overall, it’s safer than Miami. Still, you should avoid areas near the I-95 highway due to an increased crime rate over the past few years.
☀️ What is the best time to go to Fort Lauderdale, FL?
The best time to visit Fort Lauderdale, FL, is between December and April when the weather is not too hot and there are fewer rainy days.
👨👩👦👦 What are the family-friendly hotels in Fort Lauderdale?
Residence Inn Marriott and Hampton Inn (near Pompano Beach, one of Fort Lauderdale’s best beaches) are the best family-friendly hotels to stay in Fort Lauderdale.
🌱 Where is the best place to stay in Ft Lauderdale on Spring Break?
The Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club is one of the best hotels if you plan to spend spring break in Fort Lauderdale! The Guitar Hotel is an excellent luxury choice as well!
🥳 Where is the best neighborhood to stay in Ft Lauderdale for a bachelorette party?
Fort Lauderdale Beach! Fort Lauderdale hotels on the beach are perfect for bachelorette parties! Here, you’ll find upscale hotels, trendy bars and clubs, and top-rated restaurants for a complete experience!
👍 Is Fort Lauderdale safe for tourists?
Yes! Fort Lauderdale is perfectly safe for tourists. The city is considered low-risk in terms of safety, and even if crimes do happen, they affect the residents rather than tourists.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this travel guide and have decided where to stay in Fort Lauderdale!
I talked about the best areas to stay in Fort Lauderdale and gave information about the vibes of each neighborhood, hotels, and the activities you can do there!
I know I’ve already given you so many options to stay in Fort Lauderdale but to sum up, here are my 2 favorite hotels:
- Pelican Grand Beach – an exceptional Fort Lauderdale resort by the sea
- Hotel Sheldon – one of the best Fort Lauderdale beachfront hotels with 3 on-site restaurants
Remember to make a reservation as soon as you find a hotel you like to secure the best deals!
If you have any suggestions or questions about Fort Lauderdale, Florida, do not hesitate to comment below. I’ll be glad to reply!
Enjoy your time in Fort Lauderdale,
Darija
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