There's a lot of Old Florida charm at this family-owned beachfront resort, including a tiled mosaic of underwater life that spans the lobby floor. The experience here is personalized (the staff makes an effort to know your name), and the spacious rooms feel more like an upgraded version of your living room than a cookie-cutter hotel. Head to the palm-lined lagoon pool, where you can walk right out onto the 500 feet of private beach, or lounge in a hammock and watch the cruise ships go by.

Address: 1700 S. Ocean Ln.
Driving Time to Port: 10 minutes 

W Hotels are known for their daring design, which is on display here in the exterior that is shaped like a pair of sails. You’ll find dark, sexy, contemporary public spaces and a rooftop infinity pool that you can see through from below as you walk up the stairs. The hip hotel is home to a DJ-hosted pool party on some weekends, a social “Living Room” where you’ll sip cocktails and meet other guests, and a Bliss spa — basically, everything you need to feel like a glam A-lister.

Address: 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Driving Time to Port: 10 to 15 minutes

At this luxury hotel, you can take a dip in the rooftop’s heated infinity pool, enjoy a massage in a private cabana overlooking the ocean, or upgrade for exclusive access to the Club Lounge. Our favorite feature? Burlock Coast, which is equal parts buzzing restaurant, market, café, and lounge. There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting at the bar with a fresh smoothie in hand and the ocean breeze on your face.

Address: 1 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Driving Time to Port: 15 minutes

This privately owned hotel right across from Fort Lauderdale Beach has a marbled lobby where you can listen to jazz music and view a revolving collection of pieces from local artists. The main draw is the Ocean Terrace — made cozy by twinkling lights, it has a pool, lounge chairs, and spectacular panoramic views of the blue waters below. During your stay, nosh on American fare at oceanfront restaurant Beauty and the Feast, then take a short walk to Las Olas Boulevard for shopping. 

Address: 601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Driving Time to Port: 10 to 15 minutes 

Located on 16 oceanfront acres of private beach, this polished resort has a family-oriented atmosphere, with the Surf Club for kids right by the pool and kite surfing and Jet Skiing available on the beach. Make reservations for dining barefoot in the sand and don’t forget to check out the 22,000-square-foot spa, which has a low-key, adults-only pool that's a little more removed from the hustle and bustle of the main pool.

Address: 3030 Holiday Dr.
Driving Time to Port: 10 minutes

This 384-room hotel is situated on a full-service marina, so while you won’t be on the beach, you will get a great look at the swanky yachts rolling in. Plus, you'll have access to tennis courts, a spa, three pools (including a hydrotherapy pool), and water taxis that can zip you around Fort Lauderdale's waterways. Bonus: It's just two miles from Port Everglades.

Address: 2301 SE 17th St.
Driving Time to Port: Less than 10 minutes