South Florida lodging recommendations needed

[PSU95alum]

Hey all, my wife and I are flying into FLL (Ft. Lauderdale) in May and are looking for a resort type stay. She really wants to chill at the beach all day (she's not a big shopper), but also isn't opposed to going to the Keys (where beaches aren't the best). We can go anywhere within a few hour drive of FLL. Looking for most bang for the buck. We are open to all sorts of suggestions, whether they be standard hotels, resorts, vrbo suggestions, or even house or sail boats for lodging. Just trying to get some ideas. Thanks.

 

[psuro]

Doral is pretty nice although you never know what Trump does with a property. It's not beach but it is a nice oasis in Dadeland

Fountainleu in Miami Beach is really nice. Right on the beach

Marriott has some properties in the keys worth checking out.

 

[Peetz Pool Boy]

Fountainleu in Miami Beach is really nice. Right on the beach

The Fountainbleu was nice back in the 60's when it was the "go to" place and especially after they filmed the Goldfinger scenes there, but after being refurbished it's still dumpy. It draws a different crowd....been there twice for professional conferences during the week and then it gets very different Fri-Sun.

The surrounding area is "transitional" in that it was all developed back in the 50's and '60 and started to make a comeback before the 2009 crash. IMHO you're better off looking elsewhere, especially if the wife just wants a quiet beachy vibe. Unfortunately, i don't think you'll find it anywhere along the Attlantic side....South Beach up to North Fort Laud.

 

[MtNittany]

Holiday Inn Express in Juno Beach - about 50 steps from one of the nicest beaches in FL. Less than $150/night this time of year. Very laid back with a nice pool. A mile or so north of Seminole GC.

Also, up the beach the Jupiter Beach Resort has a pay for 2 nights, stay a night free deal. JBR is a very nice beach resort.

 

[Peetz Pool Boy]

Holiday Inn Express in Juno Beach - about 50 steps from one of the nicest beaches in FL. Less than $150/night this time of year. Very laid back with a nice pool. A mile or so north of Seminole GC.

I second Mt Nittany's recommendation for Juno Beach. An overlooked gem. Close to Palm Beach and some of the nice barrier islands a few miles north. I think you and your wife will both enjoy it.

 

[ALion4Life]

International at Doral is very nice...and price is reasonable

 

[lionville]

I stayed at a Marriott in Hollywood Beach last year, and enjoyed it. On the beach, nice place. Also, close to Ft. Lauderdale if you don't want to stray too far from there.

 

[Talpsu]

If youre looking for quiet. Look in Naples and Marco Island. Much cheaper over there and about 1.5 hour drive

 

[Cruising Route 66]

Hey all, my wife and I are flying into FLL (Ft. Lauderdale) in May and are looking for a resort type stay. She really wants to chill at the beach all day (she's not a big shopper), but also isn't opposed to going to the Keys (where beaches aren't the best). We can go anywhere within a few hour drive of FLL. Looking for most bang for the buck. We are open to all sorts of suggestions, whether they be standard hotels, resorts, vrbo suggestions, or even house or sail boats for lodging. Just trying to get some ideas. Thanks.

Don't know your budget but if you want a 5 star resort with all the amenities then consider The Breakers in Palm Beach. It's about 45 minutes north of Ft Lauderdale. They have a private beach and beach front bungalows if that interests you. I suggest you check out their website.

 

[PSU95alum]

Thanks all for the recommendations. Looking into a few of these options to see what works best. Thx!

 

[Talpsu]

Thanks all for the recommendations. Looking into a few of these options to see what works best. Thx!

Also check out the marriot beach club and resort in Fort Lauderdale if looking to stay in Fort Lauderdale. Private and secluded beach. Close to all the action but far enough away not to be in the action the entire time. It's at the very most southern end of Fort Lauderdale beach. Be sure to hit up the parrot lounge if you stay in fort Lauderdale. PSU/philly bar at A1A and sunrise blvd. it's right by a Primanti bros too if your a Pittsburgh guy