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Choosing where to stay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida can be a bit of a challenge considering the city has had an uptick in visitors in recent years. This South Florida destination has really become a hotspot since it offers visitors a tropical getaway while still being in the United States.
After living in Fort Lauderdale for nearly four years, I can tell you that not all parts of the city are made equally.ย
Some areas are more central and close to top attractions. Some neighborhoods are better for families. Some are located closer to the beach. And some should downright be avoided. The good news? Iโm here to tell you which areas are best for your next visit!
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Best Places to Stay in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Fort Lauderdale? Here are my top picks for hotels in Fort Lauderdale:ย
- ๐ด Best Beach Resort & Hotel โ Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach
- โจ Best Luxury Hotel โ The Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale Beach
- ๐ช Best for Families โ Beach Aqualina Apartments
- ๐ข Best Hotel Near Cruise Port โ Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resorts Fort Lauderdale Airport/ Cruise
- ๐๏ธ Best Hotel in Downtown Fort Lauderdale โ The Hyatt Centric Las Olas
You canโt go wrong staying in any of the above hotels, but maybe you want to dive deeper into each area to determine whether itโs the best fit for you.
Letโs look closer at exactly where to stay in Fort Lauderdale during your next visit, depending on your travel goals:ย
7 Best Areas to Stay in Fort Lauderdale
Downtown Fort Lauderdale or Fort Lauderdale Beach?Which is right for you?Thatโs the question travelers typically ask themselves when selecting a place to stay in Fort Lauderdale โ and itโs a good question to ponder. After all, these are the two districts with the most hotels in Fort Lauderdale catering to visitors.
However, what most people donโt consider is the option of staying in the outlying cities that make up the greater Fort Lauderdale area. Sure, they arenโt technically within Fort Lauderdale city limits. But, as a local, I can tell you most folks consider it all pretty much the same anyway.ย
So, before you book your trip, consider the entirety of Fort Lauderdale (downtown vs the beach) PLUS the nearby cities Iโve listed below.
๐ Bookmark This Now: I wrote an epic roundup of all the best stuff to do in Fort Lauderdale. Bookmark it now and come back to it after youโve decided where to stay for some epic inspiration to help plan your upcoming trip!
Las Olas โ Downtown Fort Lauderdale
๐ Best Area for Luxury and City Life | โจ Best Las Olas Hotels: The Hyatt โข The Dalmar โข Riverside Hotel
Las Olas is the downtown entertainment district of Fort Lauderdale. Its namesake, Las Olas Boulevard, is lined with high-end boutiques, outdoor restaurants, and luxurious hotels. The olive tree-lined median cutting down the center of the street portrays a sense of quaintness in the midst of the towering buildings overhead.
My favorite part of Las Olas Boulevard, though, is the diverse range of establishments off-shooting the street. A block away, the Riverwalk trails along the New River where itโs not uncommon to witness sailboats and megayachts making their way inland. A half-mile west is Himmarshee Village filled with nightclubs and pubs.ย
Along the way, youโll find the NSU Art Gallery, the Museum of Science and Discovery, and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.ย Itโs a wild place and I can honestly say Iโve never seen anywhere else like it.
With all that said , if youโre looking for shopping, nightclubs, bars, world-class restaurants, and endless amounts of things to do, I recommend staying in the Las Olas area. Itโs farther away from the beach so if youโre nottoo inclined to spend all day every day in the sun and sand, this is the spot for you.
๐ Pro Tip: purchase a Water Taxi ticket to get down to the beach. Itโs a fun and unique way to see the city to and from your beach day. They stop right on Las Olas Boulevard before heading to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park.
Pros of Staying in Las Olas:
- Close to bars, restaurants, and nightlife along Las Olas Boulevard
- Always a fun, lively atmosphere
- Unique boating environment on the New River
Cons of Staying in Las Olas:
- Downtown is not within walking distance of Fort Lauderdale beach โ youโll need a lift for a beach day
๐ Las Olas Mini Guide ๐
Best Area to Stay for Luxury and City Life
Google Map
โจ Best Hotels โ The Hyatt โข The Dalmar โข Riverside Hotel
๐ Apartments โ Browse Top Rentals in Las Olas
๐ฝ๏ธ Where to Eat โ Louie Bossiโs ($$), El Camino ($$), Sapido Italian Restaurant, Pizza, Wine, Market and Cafรฉ ($$)
๐ธ Where to Drink โ The Wharf,The Wilder,El Camino
๐๏ธ Top Attractions โ The Riverwalk,Broward Center for the Performing Arts,NSU Art Museum
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
๐ Best Area for Families | โจ Best Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Hotels: Plunge Beach Resort โข Beach Aqualina Apartments โข Windjammer Resort and Beach Club
Yes, I realize the name of this spot is confusing โ but technically, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (aka โLBTSโ) is its own municipality three miles north of Fort Lauderdale Beach. And surprisingly, the contrast between the two is stark.ย
As Fort Lauderdale grows in size and luxury, LBTS seems to stay the same. In fact, the quaint beach town appears unchanged from a 1940s Old Florida postcard.ย
Even the accommodations are unique โ you wonโt find the standard 5 and 4-star resort and spa like you would down the road. Rather, youโll discover independently owned and operated hotels and guesthouses โ a refreshing reprieve from the typically overdeveloped Florida shoreline. The authenticity is enchanting.
Pros of Staying in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea:
- Easy access to the best beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Lively town circle filled with bars, restaurants, and shops
- Everything you need in walking proximity including groceries and pharmacy
Cons of Staying in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea:
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale and the international airport are farther away.
๐ Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Mini Guide ๐
Best Area to Stay for Families
Google Map
โจ Best Hotels โ Plunge Beach Resort โข Beach Aqualina Apartments โข Windjammer Resort and Beach Club
๐ Apartments โ Browse Top Rentals in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
๐ฝ๏ธ Where to Eat โ Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar ($$), First Watch ($$), Sea Watch On the Ocean ($$$)
๐ธ Where to Drink โ 101 Ocean,Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar
๐๏ธ Top Attractions โ Snorkel or scuba dive from shore, see sea turtles during nesting season
Fort Lauderdale Beach โ Central Beach
๐ Best Area for Nightlife & Beach Days | โจ Best Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotels: Conrad โข Ritz Carlton โข The Lago Mar Beach Resort
A rooftop pool, spa, beach resort, dive bar, or a Fort Lauderdale hotel with all the amenities, bells, and whistles.ย Whatever it is youโre looking for, youโll find it located in Fort Lauderdaleโs Central Beach.
This area is truly the epicenter of tourism in Fort Lauderdale and the atmosphere reflects it. The beach is lively, the streets are busy, and the dive bars are oddly full at all times of the day.
If youโre a family, I recommend avoiding staying in this area during certain times of the year, particularly college spring break. However, thatโs not to say this isnโt an awesome place to stay outside of that wild month.
Regardless, itโs important you pass through to hop aboard one of my favorite Fort Lauderdale boat tours.
Pros of Staying in Fort Lauderdale Beach:
- Walk across the street for beach access
- Many boat tours leave right from Bahia Mar Marina
- Close to bars and restaurants
Cons of Staying in Fort Lauderdale Beach:
- More expensive than other parts of the city
๐ Fort Lauderdale Beach Mini Guide ๐
Best Area to Stay for Nightlife & Beach Days
Google Map
โจ Best Hotels โ Conrad โข Ritz Carlton โข The Lago Mar Beach Resort
๐ Apartments โ Browse Top Rentals in Fort Lauderdale Beach
๐ฝ๏ธ Where to Eat โ Casablanca Cafe ($$), Burlock Coast ($$$), El Vez ($$)
๐ธ Where to Drink โ Elbo Room,Rock Bar
๐๏ธ Top Attractions โ Bahia Mar Marina (yacht viewing and boat tours), Bonnet House Museum and Gardens,Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Harbordale / 17th Street Causeway
๐ Best Area for Cruise Passengers | โจ Best Harbordale Hotels: Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resorts Fort Lauderdale Airport/ Cruise โข Hyatt Place Cruise Port
If youโre looking for a place to stay the night before or after your cruise, consider booking a spot in the Harbordale neighborhood (better known as the 17th Street Causeway).
This area is entirely designed with cruise passengers in mind. Youโll find easy transit to and from Port Everglades and the airport, plus several of the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale for pre-cruise embarkation.ย
If you are attending an event at the Broward County Convention Center, you might consider staying here as well. Or at the very least, during your stay in Fort Lauderdale, youโll at least pass through to visit one of the many fabulous seafood restaurants, including the famous 15th Street Fisheries on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Pros of Staying in Harbordale:
- Plenty of fun things to do nearby before or after your cruise
- Location close to International Airport and Port Everglades
- A plethora of awesome seafood restaurants (see below)
Cons of Staying in Harbordale:
- ย The beach and downtown are a taxi ride away
๐ Harbordale Mini Guide ๐
Best Area to Stay for Cruise Passengers
Google Map
โจ Best Hotels โ Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resorts Fort Lauderdale Airport/ Cruise โข Hyatt Place Cruise Port
๐ Apartments โ Browse Top Rentals in Harbordale
๐ฝ๏ธ Where to Eat โ Quarterdeck ($$), Boatyard ($$$), 15th Street Fisheries ($$)
๐ธ Where to Drink โ Waxyโs Irish Pub,Whiskey Neat
๐๏ธ Top Attractions โ Water Taxi Stop,Broward County Convention Center
Victoria Park & Flagler Village
๐ Best Area to Stay Like a Local | โจ Best Victoria Park & Flagler Village Hotels: Marriott Courtyard โข Tropical Oasis Condos โข Alani Bay Luxury Condos
The dividing line between Victoria Park and Flagler Village isnโt more than US Highway 1. However, the two neighborhoods a mile north of downtown Fort Lauderdale couldnโt be more different.ย
In my opinion, itโs entirely reasonable to stay in one while enjoying the benefits of both. On one hand, Victoria Park is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Residential and quiet.
Just across the street is Flagler Village: an up-and-coming arts district blooming with development yet ripe with breweries, cafes, and some of my favorite bars in Fort Lauderdale.
Most of the places to stay in the area are privately owned condos, which actually rank as Bookingโs top-rated accommodations in Fort Lauderdale. It provides a charming, local-like feeling as you enjoy a central location suitable for all travelers.
Pros of Staying in Victoria Park & Flagler Village:
- Holiday Park with playgrounds, basketball courts, exercise equipment, and more
- Quiet neighborhood tucked away
- Central location near downtown, a taxi ride away from the beach
Cons of Staying in Victoria Park & Flagler Village:
- Flagler Village is still under construction in various spots
๐ Victoria Park & Flagler Village Mini Guide ๐
Best Area to Stay Like a Local
Google Map โ Victoria Park / Google Map โ Flagler Village
โจ Best Hotels โ Marriott Courtyard โข Tropical Oasis Condos โข Alani Bay Luxury Condos
๐ Apartments โ Browse Top Rentals in Victoria Park & Flagler Village
๐ฝ๏ธ Where to Eat โ Shuck N Dive ($$), Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar ($$), Rhythm & Vine ($$)
๐ธ Where to Drink โ Glitch Arcade Bar,Chops + Hops Axe Throwing Lodge,Invasive Species Brewing
๐๏ธ Top Attractions โ Sistrunk Marketplace and Brewery,Holiday Park, art galleries, The Parker Playhouse
Dania Beach
๐ Best Area for Airport Access | โจ Best Dania Beach Hotels: Hyatt Place โข Wyndham Garden โข Residence Inn by Marriott
Consider Dania Beach if you have a layover in Fort Lauderdale. Itโs conveniently located near the airport with hidden gems worthy of visiting spread throughout the small town.ย
From your hotel or resort, you can easily visit iconic establishments like Jaxsonโs Ice Cream Parlor, Historic Dockers, or 3 Sons Brewing. Or, at the very least, you can get a cheaper night stay while still visiting Fort Lauderdale a few miles north. All of which make this small beach town one of the best areas to stay for those passing through for a day or two!
Pros of Staying in Dania Beach:
- Close to Fort Lauderdale โ Hollywood International Airport
- Cheaper than a night stay in Fort Lauderdale hotels
- Less traveled beaches and parks
Cons of Staying in Dania Beach:
- Lacks the restaurant and bar scene of the big city
- No hotels on the actual beach
๐ Dania Beach Mini Guide ๐
Best Area to Stay for Airport Access
Google Map
โจ Best Hotels โ Hyatt Place โข Wyndham Garden โข Residence Inn by Marriott
๐ Apartments โ Browse Top Rentals in Dania Beach
๐ฝ๏ธ Where to Eat โ Jaxsonโs Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant ($$), Quarterdeck at Dania Pier ($$)
๐ธ Where to Drink โ 3 Sons Brewing,Cooperโs Hawk Winery
๐๏ธ Top Attractions โ The Casino at Dania,Anne Kolb Nature Center in West Lake Park,Dr. Von D. Mizell โ Eula Johnson State Park
Hollywood Beach
๐ Best Area for Smaller Crowds | โจ Best Hollywood Beach Hotels: Diane Oceanfront Suites โข Villa Sinclair Beach Suites
Consider Hollywood Beach if you want a quieter experience โ itโs a slightly smaller town with a much smaller crowd. And honestly, thatโs what makes it one of the best areas to stay in.ย
Located a few miles south of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywoodโs famous Broadwalk (you read that right, notboardwalk) provides endless free (or cheap), outdoor fun like cycling, paddling, beach yoga, open air concerts, and other entertainment. The beach is stunning while still providing all the amenities youโd find in Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Pros of Staying in Hollywood Beach:
- Broadwalk is a great place for outdoor exercise and a sunrise
- Bars and restaurants are within walking distance from anywhere
- Located north, you can find secluded beaches covered by thick tropical hammock
Cons of Staying in Hollywood Beach:
- Older style apartments and condos
๐ Hollywood Beach Mini Guide ๐
Best Area to Stay for Smaller Crowds
Google Map
โจ Best Hotels โ Diane Oceanfront Suites โข Villa Sinclair Beach Suites
๐ Apartments โ Browse Top Rentals in Hollywood Beach
๐ฝ๏ธ Where to Eat โ The Taco Joint ($), GGโs Waterfront ($$$), Billyโs Stone Crab ($$)
๐ธ Where to Drink โ Hollywood Brewing Company,Landshark Bar and Grill,Nickโs Bar and Grill
๐๏ธ Top Attractions โ Hollywood Beach Broadwalk,West Lake Park,Young Circle Park
Tips for Staying in Fort Lauderdale
Tip #1 โ Donโt Rent a Car if Staying Downtown or on Fort Lauderdale Beach
Why? First of all, itโs easy enough to walk around to places you need to get to. For the places you do need a lift, take the Water Taxi or an Uber. Secondly, the hotels often charge a separate parking fee thatโs almost as expensive as a night stay. Itโs scammy, so be sure to call your hotel before renting a car.
Tip #2 โ Do Rent a Car if Staying Anywhere Else
If staying anywhere but downtown or Fort Lauderdale Beach, parking is often free with your stay. So in this case, itโs beneficial to rent a car.ย
If you still need a rental car, check out Discover Cars. They are our pick for the best search engine to find you the most affordable car for your trip and easily compare customer reviews of different rental agencies.
๐ Pro Tip: Having wheels makes it easier to check out some of my favorite epic day trips around Fort Lauderdale!
Tip #3 โ Try a Vacation Rental
Part of the charm of the South Florida region, particularly in places like Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, is the privately owned and operated vacation rentals. These can get wildly unique and facilitate some of your most memorable vacations. My family has found a lot of success on VRBO during their visits to Fort Lauderdale.
Tip #4 โ Staying On the Beach May be Cheaper
Sure, the beachfront hotels and condos may run a larger bill upfront. But consider these costs if considering staying inland to save money: taxi rides, car rental, beach parking, chair rental, etc.ย
If youโre visiting for a beach vacation, it may be cheaper, in the long run, to rent a place directly on the beach even if itโs $20 โ $30 more per night than the hotels inland.
๐ด Doing a big trip around Florida? If youโre headed to Orlando, be sure to check out our guide to where to stay in Orlando, Florida, and also our epic article on the best stuff to do there!
FAQs About Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale
What is the best area to stay in Fort Lauderdale?
The best area to stay in Fort Lauderdale is Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. It is where my family stays when they visit, and it is a popular spot with tourists for good reason. Itโs family-friendly, safe, has many dining options, plenty to do, and the most beautiful beach in the Fort Lauderdale area.
What is the nice part of Fort Lauderdale?
The nicest parts of Fort Lauderdale include the areas from Las Olas to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Another nice neighborhood just on the outskirts of downtown is Victoria Park.
What are the bad areas of Fort Lauderdale?
Areas to be avoided for tourists in Fort Lauderdale include areas as you go west of I-95, where the crime rate increases. A few neighborhoods on the outskirts of downtown should be avoided, as well. If you stick around the Las Olas Boulevard area and the beach, plus the outlying neighborhoods and cities we mentioned above, you wonโt have any unwanted run-ins.
Where is the main part of Fort Lauderdale?
The main part of Fort Lauderdale is Las Olas and Fort Lauderdale Beach. Between the two, tourists will find most of the things to do including boat tours, the Riverwalk, public parks, beaches, bars, and restaurants. Even if youโre staying in a neighborhood on the outskirts of the city, you should make a point to visit both main sections of Fort Lauderdale.
What part of year should I visit Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale is a year around destination, but the best time to visit is between March and May. This is when the temperature is still relatively cool, and there is less rain.
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๐ Keep Reading: Check out our epic list of all the top stuff to do in Florida for tons of fun and unique activities around the Sunshine State!
Have you decided where to stay yet? A 5-star, Fort Lauderdale beach resort & spa? Or, a quaint, family-friendly neighborhood? Donโt forget the outdoor pool with an ocean view!ย
Honestly, wherever in Fort Lauderdale you end up, youโll always be a few miles away from the beach and the Florida sun is always one step out your front door.ย
For more helpful travel information, read our guide to the best places to visit in Florida, next.