Best Boutique Hotels in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

12 Cool Boutique Hotels in Fort Lauderdale

Located just 30 minutes from Miami, Fort Lauderdale is easily one of the best beach destinations in Florida. Known as the “Venice of America,” the city is famous for its extensive series of canals and its unique “finger islands.” While the 23 miles of postcard-perfect beaches are Fort Lauderdale’s major draw, visitors flock here year-round for the city’s tropical weather, excellent shopping, and vibrant nightlife scene. 

You’ll likely spend most of your time frolicking on the beach or lounging around your hotel pool, but no trip to Fort Lauderdale is complete without visiting Las Olas Boulevard. This famous street is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, nightlife venues, and shops. If you want to do some serious shopping during your trip, be sure to head to the upscale Galleria shopping mall.

Nature lovers will definitely want to do some boating along the canals and on the brilliantly blue Atlantic Ocean, spot local wildlife in Everglades Holiday Park, or spend a day outdoors at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park or the scenic Riverwalk. History and culture buffs will love exploring the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens and the NSU Art Museum

There’s no doubt that Fort Lauderdale is chock full of retro boutique hotels, luxurious oceanfront resorts, and quaint canal-facing hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best boutique hotels in Fort Lauderdale to help you plan your perfect getaway!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: 12 Cool Boutique Hotels in Fort Lauderdale

Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale 

Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale: Boutique Hotels

Most of the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale are peppered around the Fort Lauderdale Beach area. If this is your first visit to Fort Lauderdale and you’re planning the ultimate beach vacation, this is the best area to base yourself. Not only will the city’s most beautiful stretch of sand be steps away from your hotel but most hotels have rooms with stunning views of the Atlantic. 

If you’re in town to let loose at one of the city’s numerous cocktail lounges, wine bars, or nightlife venues, there are plenty of incredible hotels clustered around the bustling Las Olas Boulevard. Even if you’re not planning to party hard, this is an excellent location if you want to be within walking distance of the city’s best cafes, restaurants, and museums. 

Boutique hotels nestled along the city’s famous canals are popular options for secluded romantic getaways or anyone wanting to be within walking distance of the beach and Las Olas Boulevard. Another more laidback option is Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, which is located in northern Fort Lauderdale. With fewer crowds and a beautiful beach, this is another popular pick for couples and families.

But no matter where you stay in Fort Lauderdale, you’ll find plenty of great hotels to choose from. Plus, with the city’s canals and water buses, getting around town is a breeze!


12 Best Hotels in Fort Lauderdale 

1. The Pillars Hotel 

Cool Hotels in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: The Pillars Hotel
Photos: The Pillars Hotel

If big hotel chains aren’t your thing, The Pillars Hotel might just be the perfect pick. This gem of a hotel is perched right on Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway and a short stroll from both Sebastian Street Beach and Las Olas Beach. Plus, there’s a private water bus stop directly on-site, so getting around is a cinch!

The Pillars Hotel is actually housed in a historic 1930s home. Each of the luxurious 16 rooms is unique but all boast comfy beds with white leather tufted headboards, mid-century modern decor, and deluxe limestone ensuites with Molton Brown products. The Queen Poolside Cabana Room has a tented outdoor living area with Intracoastal Waterway views and is by far the most popular room in the house! 

The Pillars Hotel has an on-site restaurant where you can dine dockside or in the elegant dining room. Secret Garden restaurant is open to guests only and serves up locally sourced fare with a Moroccan twist. The restaurant also features a long list of fine wines to choose from. 

When you’re not lounging around the city’s sandy beaches, you can work on your tan at the hotel’s kidney-shaped pool, get pampered at the on-site spa, or embark on a kayaking excursion from the private dock. There’s a reason The Pillars Hotel is considered one of the best boutique hotels in Fort Lauderdale! 


2. Plunge Beach Resort

Best Fort Lauderdale Hotels: Plunge Beach Resort
Photos: Plunge

If you want to stay in a beachfront boutique resort, Plunge is one of the best in town. Set in a 1950s motel, the entire space has been revamped into a retro boutique hotel. With so many cool amenities and stylish touches, it’s no wonder why guests return to this unique boutique hotel year after year!

Plunge is nestled right on the shores of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea beach. Rooms are located in four separate buildings and all feature plush beds, 50-inch HDTVs, and fun features like beach balls, chalkboards, and beach-themed graffiti wall art. Upgraded rooms give you awesome amenities including ocean views, furnished balconies, and kitchenettes. 

With its oceanfront location and three onsite restaurants, you’ll never need to leave the hotel! Get your morning Starbucks fix and breakfast sandwich at the on-site Bean & Barnacle coffee shop, enjoy creative seafood fare in the evenings at Octopus, and indulge in rum-infused cocktails and fish tacos all day long at the beachfront Backflip Beach Bar & Kitchen.

You can spend your days soaking up the sun on the beach, splashing around one of the two hotel pools, or biking around town on one of the complimentary beach cruisers!

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3. The Kimpton Goodland Hotel 

Cool Hotels in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Kimpton, Goodland
Photos: The Goodland

The Goodland recently opened its doors in March 2021 but it already stands out as one of the best boutique hotels in Fort Lauderdale. The hotel is tucked away in the North Beach Village neighborhood and is just one block from the beach. 

The hotel is housed in a 1950s building that was once home to the first year-round resort in Fort Lauderdale! Expect to find retro throwbacks and stylish mid-century decor throughout this stylish boutique hotel. 

The 96 rooms are located in the property’s three buildings. You’ll love the luxe beds, midcentury furniture, soothing natural color tones, and the retro decor including the Marshall Bluetooth speakers and colorful Galanz mini-fridges. The extra towels, yoga mat, beach bags, and Atelier Bloem products are thoughtful extra touches. 

When you’re not at the beach you can splash around the ground level and rooftop pools, sip drinks at the poolside bar, or hop on one of the complimentary bikes and cruise around town. Be sure to enjoy at least one meal at the hotel’s excellent restaurant. Botanic boasts a creative selection of American dishes with a Latin and Caribbean flair!


4. Riverside Hotel

Unique Fort Lauderdale Hotels: Riverside Hotel
Photo: Riverside Hotel

The iconic Riverside Hotel is located right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. The hotel opened its doors in 1936 and remains the only hotel located directly on the vibrant Las Olas Boulevard! If you want to be within walking distance of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and boutiques, Riverside is arguably the best hotel in Fort Lauderdale.  

In line with its history, the hotel is chock full of Old Florida charm and tropical decor. You can choose from a range of sophisticated rooms, which boast views of either Las Olas Boulevard or New River. The upgraded suites are well worth the splurge for their large living rooms, wet bars, furnished balconies, and marble bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs. 

Riverside Hotel is also home to some of the best restaurants in the neighborhood. You can enjoy brunch and watch the world go by at the sidewalk terrace eatery, watch the big game and throw back beers at the on-site pub, enjoy Mediterranean-inspired tapas at the waterfront restaurant, and unwind with a nightcap at Preston’s Wine & Martini Lounge.


5. B Ocean Resort

Cool Hotels in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: B Ocean Resort
Photos: B Ocean Resort

This famous ship-shaped building was originally built as the famous Yankee Clipper Hotel in 1956. After extensive renovations, the hotel reopened as B Ocean Resort in 2017. With its one-of-a-kind facade and quirky amenities, B Ocean Resort is definitely one of the most unique hotels in Fort Lauderdale. 

B Ocean Resort is located right on Fort Lauderdale Beach, so you can simply stroll to the hotel’s private sandy beach and the warm turquoise water. When you’re not at the beach, you’ll love lounging around the two infinity pools and chilling out in the private poolside cabanas.

If you’re visiting during the weekend don’t miss out on the live underwater mermaid performances. Both the family-friend and the burlesque-style shows are held at the world-famous aquatic-themed Wreck Bar. While you’re there, you might as well order up a fresh seafood dinner and a tropical cocktail.

Naked Crab is also located at the hotel and features an excellent Seafood Ice Bar with Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab, and seasonal oysters. The restaurant also serves up creative seafood-inspired fare from fried oyster tacos to scallop risotto. If you don’t want to tear yourself away from the pool or the beach, you can order fruity cocktails, light bites, and hearty mains from Salty Siren.

After a sun-soaked day, you’ll love crashing out in the modern, nautically-themed rooms. The oversized beds and 55-inch HDTVs are perfect for a relaxing movie night!

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6. The Dalmar

Best Fort Lauderdale Hotels: The Dalmar
Photos: The Dalmar

Located a few blocks from the hustle and bustle of Las Olas Boulevard, The Dalmar is the perfect pick if you want to be right in the center of the action. Plus, this forward-thinking hotel recently opened in 2019 so expect everything to be new, stylish, and super hip.

Explore this 25-story building and you’ll find all sorts of cool amenities. You can sip cocktails and float the day away at the 100-foot saline pool. In the evenings, head up to the 1960s-style rooftop bar on the 25th floor where you can enjoy discounted happy hour drinks, Asian-inspired dishes, and sweeping city views. 

You can also order specialty coffees and pressed juices at Rose’s Coffee Bar, grab pre-dinner drinks at the Insta-worthy Lobby Bar, and dine on elevated American grill fare at The Terrace Grill. 

The rooms are just picture perfect! You’ll love the mid-century modern decor, the pillow top beds with designer Sferra linens, and the city views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. If you’re craving a snack or want to treat yourself to a massage, simply message the friendly staff using the in-room iPad!


7. Ocean Treasure Beachside Suites

Best Hotels in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Ocean Treasure Beachside Suites
Photos: Ocean Treasure Beachside Suites

This picture-perfect hotel made its debut as the Sand Dollar in the 1950s. A local family purchased the hotel in 2019 and reopened it as the newly renovated Ocean Treasure Beachside Suites in 2020. Not only will the owners treat you like family, but you’ll find luxury around every corner of this incredible boutique hotel!  

The luxurious one and two-bedroom suites all boast plush beds, retro furnishings, and kitchenettes perfect for preparing meals at home. Located steps from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach, each suite has floor-to-ceiling windows with pocket doors that lead out to spacious terraces. Plus, unlike most hotels, every single suite has stunning ocean views! 

You can work on your tan around the hotel’s heated pool, go swimming at the private beach, or grill up some burgers at the on-site barbeque facilities. If you’re up for an outdoor adventure rent a bike, kayak, or water scooter from the hotel!

There might not be an onsite restaurant but you’ll be surrounded by some of Fort Lauderdale’s best restaurants. You can dine on Japanese-Korean fare at Takato, treat yourself to American comfort food at The Mason Jar Pub, or enjoy sweet and savory breakfast and brunch dishes at Cyth & Co.


8. Elita Hotel

Best Fort Lauderdale Hotels: Elita Hotel
Photos: Elita Hotel

When the new owners took over the rundown Shell Motel a few years ago, they decided to give it a complete makeover with the help of the famed interior designer, Blanche Garcia of Hotel Impossible. The sleek new Elita Hotel opened to guests in 2016 and rapidly gained the reputation as one of the best boutique hotels in Fort Lauderdale.

One of the many things that makes Elita stand out from the rest is the exceptional customer service. The staff will go above and beyond to make sure you have the best experience possible. They even put out free coffee, tea, and snacks in the lobby each afternoon. 

Located just steps away from Fort Lauderdale Beach and a few blocks away from a water bus stop, getting around town is super easy. Plus, some of the city’s most popular restaurants are a short stroll away. When you’re not out on the town, chances are you’ll be cooling off in the hotel’s picturesque pool, soaking up the sun on the sundeck, or curling up with a good book in the palm tree-studded garden.

The sleek rooms boast plush beds with designer linens, spacious workstations, and 40-inch flat-screens perfect for a chilled-out movie night. The mini-fridges, Nespresso machines, and soft robes are much-appreciated extra features. If you want to go big, the spacious Penthouse Suite offers a king bed, a kitchenette, and a private patio with spectacular ocean views!

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9. Premiere Hotel 

unique-hotels-fort-lauderdale-florida-premiere-hotel
Photos: Premiere Hotel

Housed in a mid-century building, Premiere Hotel is a throwback to the 1960s. So expect to find retro decor and original architectural details around every corner. With only 20 rooms and ultra-friendly staff, there’s no wonder why this place is regarded as one of the best boutique hotels in Fort Lauderdale. 

This gem of a hotel is located right across the street from Fort Lauderdale Beach and a short walk from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Kids and adults will love frolicking in the two heated saltwater swimming pools and basking in the Florida sunshine on one of the lounge chairs. 

If you’re hungry, the Cafe & Bar serves up excellent handmade pizzas, refreshing craft beers, and boutique wines. Be sure to head up to the rooftop around sunset for beautiful views of the Atlantic. If you feel like having a casual dinner, you can prepare barbecue meals using the outdoor grill stations and dine alfresco at the poolside picnic tables. 

Rooms are outfitted with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including soft beds, flat-screens, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. If you’re traveling as a family, the spacious suites can sleep up to six people and have fully equipped kitchens so you can cook family meals at home.


10. Villa Venezia

Best Fort Lauderdale Hotels: Villa Venezia
Photos: Villa Venezia

Located on a quiet canal in East Fort Lauderdale, Villa Venezia is a palm tree-filled oasis right in the heart of town. Las Olas Boulevard is one mile away and Las Olas Beach is two miles down the road. With its serene setting, it’s the perfect pick for couples looking for a romantic getaway! 

All of the apartment-style units of this charming boutique hotel are unique and individually decorated. Options range from stylish studios to spacious 2-bedroom units. 

No matter which you choose you’ll have either a kitchenette or a full kitchen, separate dining and living spaces, and deluxe baths. The larger units are well worth the upgrade if you’re looking for a home away from home and plan on cooking your own meals and having relaxing movie nights. Some even have balconies and canal views!

Villa Venezia also has a lovely outdoor pool and a barbecue area where you can grill up steaks for your crew. With its unique location on the canal, you can also rent out a boat slip if you’re planning on going on boating excursions!

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11. Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

Cool Hotels in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Conrad
Photos: Conrad

If you want to stay right on the beach, the Conrad is one of the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale. Located on one of the best sections of Fort Lauderdale Beach, the Conrad opened its doors in late 2017 so expect everything to be ultra-modern and top of the line.  

The units in this all-suite resort range from studios to three-bedroom condos. No matter which you choose, you’ll have a fully outfitted gourmet kitchen, a furnished balcony with ocean or river views, and an Italian marble bathroom with a deep-soaking tub. 

If you can manage to tear yourself away from your dreamy room, you’ll love checking out all of the hotel’s luxurious amenities. The property boasts an elevated swimming pool with 180-degree views of the Atlantic, a relaxing hot tub, a world-class spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga classes. 

You can get your morning caffeine fix and freshly baked goods at the on-site gourmet market, sip cocktails or enjoy casual lunches at the poolside bar and grill, and socialize over hand-crafted drinks and light bites at Atlas Cocktail Lounge. 

But the real standout of the Conrad is its high-end Japanese and Korean fusion restaurant, Takato. Takato is one of the best restaurants in the city and serves up creative concoctions from Wagyu skirt steak with wasabi chimichurri to short rib kimchi tacos with Asian slaw.


12. W Fort Lauderdale

Best Fort Lauderdale Hotels: The W
Photos: The W

The W was tailor-made for those who want a luxurious beach vacation at one of the coolest hotels in Fort Lauderdale. Fresh from a $55 million makeover, expect nothing but the best!

The standard rooms boast stylish furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and 50-inch flat-screens. But if you want to go all out on your trip, definitely book one of the 2-bedroom penthouse suites. You’ll love lounging around the furnished wraparound balcony and taking in the ocean views, luxuriating in the oversized stone tub, and preparing meals and snacks in the gourmet kitchen. 

While the beach is just across the street, you could easily spend your entire vacation hanging out at the hotel. Explore the grounds and you’ll find a beautiful rooftop pool surrounded by plush lounge chairs, a spa where you can get pampered or get glammed up for a night on the town, and a state-of-the-art fitness center where you can work up a sweat.

When it comes to dining and drinking, the W has got you covered. You can order poolside cocktails and frozen drinks at WET Bar & Grill or head down to the Living Room for handcrafted cocktails. The hotel is also home to a sushi bar, an authentic Mexican restaurant, and one of the best steakhouses in town!

That completes our list of the 12 best Fort Lauderdale hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Fort Lauderdale? Comment below so we can add them to the list!


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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most unique hotel in Fort Lauderdale?

This famous ship-shaped building was originally built as the famous Yankee Clipper Hotel in 1956. After extensive renovations, the hotel reopened as B Ocean Resort in 2017. With its one-of-a-kind facade and quirky amenities, B Ocean Resort is definitely one of the most unique hotels in Fort Lauderdale.

What hotel in Fort Lauderdale offers the best customer service?

The sleek new Elita Hotel opened to guests in 2016 and rapidly gained the reputation as one of the best boutique hotels in Fort Lauderdale. One of the many things that makes Elita stand out from the rest is the exceptional customer service. The staff will go above and beyond to make sure you have the best experience possible. They even put out free coffee, tea, and snacks in the lobby each afternoon.

What is the best hotel in Fort Lauderdale for couples?

Located on a quiet canal in East Fort Lauderdale, Villa Venezia is a palm tree-filled oasis right in the heart of town. Las Olas Boulevard is one mile away and Las Olas Beach is two miles down the road. With its serene setting, it’s the perfect pick for couples looking for a romantic getaway!

What hotel in Fort Lauderdale has the best amenities?

If you want to stay right on the beach, the Conrad is one of the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale. If you can manage to tear yourself away from your dreamy room, you’ll love checking out all of the hotel’s luxurious amenities. The property boasts an elevated swimming pool with 180-degree views of the Atlantic, a relaxing hot tub, a world-class spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga classes.

What is the most luxurious hotel in Fort Lauderdale?

The W was tailor-made for those who want a luxurious beach vacation at one of the coolest hotels in Fort Lauderdale. You’ll love lounging around the furnished wraparound balcony and taking in the ocean views, luxuriating in the oversized stone tub, and preparing meals and snacks in the gourmet kitchen. Explore the grounds and you’ll find a beautiful rooftop pool surrounded by plush lounge chairs, a spa where you can get pampered or get glammed up for a night on the town, and a state-of-the-art fitness center where you can work up a sweat. The hotel is also home to a sushi bar, an authentic Mexican restaurant, and one of the best steakhouses in town!


About the Author:

  • Valerie Wheatley

    Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag.

    Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her!

    These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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