Fort Lauderdale is one of my favorite places to cruise from. The airport and cruise port are just a short distance apart, and there are many different hotel options – from chain hotels to beachside resorts. For my most recent Disney Cruise Line sailing from the Disney Dream, I spent one night at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, located right on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
While I only spent a night there, this hotel could be perfect for a luxurious family vacation. There’s plenty to do in the area, and the hotel offers many family-friendly amenities, a fantastic location, and beautiful hotel rooms.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.
Review of the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale Beach
Checking in at the hotel was very easy. A member of the bell staff helped me with my luggage and gave me a quick overview of my room. I received a complimentary rum punch coupon at the hotel bar and my room keys. I was also given a bottle of water (with more complimentary bottles in my room).
Location of the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale
Located on Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, directly across the street from the beach, the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale is about 15-20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades cruise port.
The hotel area is walkable, but you may want to rent a car if you stay longer than a day or two. I took a rideshare from the airport to the port and walked for my meals, but a car would be useful for a family and a longer stay. Valet parking is currently $59 per day, but keep in mind that is subject to change at any time.
There’s also the water taxi, which offers a stop a few blocks from the hotel. It has multiple stops, and many guests take it to the Las Olas for shopping and dining.
While you have to cross the street to get to the beach, no buildings are on that side of the road. There’s also an over-road skyway to the beach from the pool deck. During my visit, however, the elevator was out of service.
Rooms at the Resort
Based on my Marriott Bonvoy level, I was treated to an upgraded room with an oceanfront view. Other options include a lanai pool view, a partial ocean view, and an intercoastal view. Club-level rooms and suites are also available.
As expected, you’ll pay more for a better view. While I loved having the beautiful view, it may not be worth this extra expense if
I found my room one of the most beautiful hotel rooms I’ve stayed in. It has a crisp, coastal decor with blue accents, the perfect design for a hotel offering beach views.
My room included a bathroom with a tub, a shower stall, two sinks, a minibar, a safe, a large television, a couch, a small table with a chair, a very comfortable bed, and plenty of storage space. It also offered a balcony overlooking the pool and waterfront.
Pets under 25 pounds are allowed, with a $150 non-refundable fee per room per stay. I did see a few little dogs during my stay.
Amenities at the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale
This is a beautiful luxury resort with top-notch amenities for guests. Helpful and friendly staff greet you wherever you turn.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a high-end luxury spa located in the resort. It offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and reflexology. Salon services are also offered. To take advantage of the spa, it’s a good idea to reserve it in advance for the best availability.
The pool, located on the 7th-floor roof, includes complimentary seating areas, a pool bar, and beautiful ocean views. There’s also a jacuzzi. My oceanview room included a view of this beautiful pool area.
Private cabanas can be rented for an additional fee. These are offered poolside and on the exclusive cabana level, overlooking the waterfront. Cabana rentals come with complimentary sparkling wine and a fruit plate. Daybed rentals are also available.
Prefer to go to the beach? A skywalk takes you from the 7th-floor pool deck over to the beach. Guests of the hotel can get complimentary beach chairs and towels. The skywalk is a very short walk over the street, and you’ll be at the beach in no time.
Guests have access to a 24-hour fitness center. It includes cardio equipment (including 2 Peloton bikes), strength equipment, weights, and an NBA-approved basketball court.
Food at the Resort
During your stay at the resort, you’ll be located right along Fort Lauderdale Beach, where you’ll find many delicious restaurants. If you’d like to dine at the resort, there are several options.
In-room dining is available from 7 am to 10 pm. While I didn’t order in-room dining, I did look at the menu. The prices were similar to the restaurant’s, although there was a service fee for in-room dining.
A pool bar called Sea la Vie Sundeck is adjacent to the pool. It offers drinks and light bites during the day. During my stay, it closed at 5 p.m.
The hotel’s main restaurant, Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I ate dinner there during my stay, and it was fantastic. It’s upscale but fairly casual, and offers a large menu with plenty of options. Reservations are accepted, and the restaurant offers indoor, outdoor, and bar seating.
Resort Fee
This resort charges a $48 per night resort fee, which is added to bookings made in cash or points. The fee includes complimentary use of beach chairs and towels, fitness center access, bottled water, and in-room coffee. When comparing hotel prices, it’s essential to make sure you budget this for your stay.
Booking the Resort
Are you considering a stay at the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale resort? You can see more reviews here and book your stay here.
