Which is the best hotel in Fort Lauderdale? Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale Vs. Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale Vs. Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa? We discuss below.
1. Best Location: Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale Vs. Ritz-Carlton Vs. Marriott
If you are looking for a Marriott hotel in Fort Lauderdale you may be interested in our separate review of the best Marriott branded property in Fort Lauderdale.
Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale has the best location and is nestled on a prime spot of beach and looks out over the Atlantic ocean. The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale Resort is located across a sky bridge (so across the road) from a beautiful white sand beach and is right next to Beach Place, which has restaurants etc. The Mariott is not next to very much except for Bahia Cabana, so feels more remote. That said, you can walk a few blocks to Las Olas, Galleria Mall, or you can take a water taxi there.
2. Best Beach
As I outlined above, Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale has the best location and is nestled on a prime spot of beach and looks out over the Atlantic ocean. The beach is spectacular, with crystal clear waters and a shallow slope so you can swim far out while still being able to touch the bottom.
The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale Resort is located across a sky bridge (so across the road) from a beautiful white sand beach.
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is located right on a quarter-mile stretch of pristine private beach.
All hotels offer a great location on the beach. I like that the Four Seasons and Marriott are right on the beach Vs. the Ritz-Carlton being across the road from the beach, which is less ideal.
3. Best Pool
The Four Seasons’ two pools are excellent and relaxing, situated on the third floor with direct oceanfront views. The Ritz-Carlton oval pool also sits on an elevated deck and is across the road from the beach. The Marriott pool is set on the beachfront steps from the beach.
For exclusivity, the Four Seasons pool wins. I like that it does not suffer any road noise like the Ritz. The Marriott pool is nice but not noteworthy.
4. Best For Kids
Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale is fabulous with children offering a Kids For All Seasons activity program based on the Ocean Sun Deck. If money is not a barrier to booking here, then Four Seasons is the best hotel for children.
5. Best Style
Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale is stunning and rises above the more traditional decor of the Ritz-Carlton and the more generic decor of the Marriott. Communal areas are gorgeous, with lots of marble and tropical foliage. Most restaurants are designed with a backdrop facing onto the deep blue ocean.
6. Best Restaurant
I think the best restaurant is Evelyn’s at Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale, where coastal Florida cuisine meets Eastern Mediterranean flavors. You can enjoy elevated Atlantic views and fresh ocean breezes in an atmosphere of sophisticated fun.
The Ritz-Carlton offers Burlock Coast restaurant, café, and bar, which has a distinctly local touch and features ingredients from area farms.
7. Best Rooms
Four Seasons rooms are stylish and immaculate and the best of these three hotels. All with furnished balconies, their spacious guest rooms offer a choice of views, highlighting the city, the Intracoastal Waterway, or the Atlantic Ocean.
8. Club Lounge
The Ritz-Carlton has a club lounge, and the Marriott and Four Seasons don’t in Orlando, so the Ritz-Carlton is your best choice here. The food and beverage selection in the Ritz-Carlton club lounge is brilliant.
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