B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale

B Ocean Resort’s beachfront location bodes well for its unique ship-like exterior (if you squint just right, it almost seems as if the hotel is a beached vessel). The hotel's main tower stands mid-ship, while the glass-fronted guest rooms cascade down the sides, much like cabins on a cruise ship. Originally built in 1956 by beach hotel pioneer Bob Gill, Jr., the property spent its first life as the Yankee Clipper, hosting folks like Mickey Mantle, Marilyn Monroe, and the Yankees. The hotel’s historic, wooden Wreck Bar was featured in the Robert De Niro movie "Analyze This."
In 2014, the B Ocean group took over and gave the hotel a modern makeover that was completed in 2017. Tasteful interiors combine ocean and beach elements with a sophisticated color palette -- think bubbled glass light fixtures, natural wood elements, and local artwork in blue hues. The outdoors, which include two pools, a beach dotted by loungers, and a lush area full of trees overlooking the ocean, are pleasant and appealing.
This is a popular spot for transient business travelers, couples, and young families, so a lot of movement in the lobby, as well as some hustle and bustle around the beachfront pool, should be expected. Plus, the Wreck Bar and its mermaid show is a hit with locals and visitors alike.

This hotel is located on the southern section of Fort Lauderdale Beach, right off Seabreeze Boulevard, a.k.a. Florida State Road A1A. This is a quieter stretch, though guests are within a 15-minute walk of the beach’s main drag, which is full of shops, bars, and restaurants. There’s also a Water Taxi stop three minutes on foot from the hotel, giving guests access to several spots in the surrounding area. The hotel is less than 15 minutes by car from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport. Those looking to go to Miami can reach the airport in just over 30 minutes by car and South Beach in 45 minutes.

B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale has 481 rooms spread across several buildings, all featuring large windows offering either neighborhood or partial or full ocean views. Beach-inspired contemporary decor combines dark-gray bed skirts, rugs, and chairs with pops of white and orange to create appealing, streamlined spaces. Clean-lined wooden furniture, metal accents, and large contemporary artworks add some style. Unfortunately, some units are already showing some minor wear and tear, and only rooms and suites in the Clipper building have balconies.
Quality beds, large flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges come standard, as do single-serve Keurig coffee machines, USB ports, and free Wi-Fi. Junior Suites and all suites feature living spaces with sofa beds, and the Master Suite features a wet bar and a dining table for six guests. Bathrooms are spacious and clean in all units, housing walk-in showers, ample vanity space, and backlit mirrors. Aveda toiletries and hairdryers are provided in all rooms. The only room type that has a soaking tub and a separate walk-in shower is the Master Suite.

Naked Crab is the hotel’s main restaurant. It may look like an unassuming crab shack from the outside, but the menu is upscale Mediterranean with a focus on creative seafood dishes like stone-charred octopus and bouillabaisse pot pie. Other food options include the cafe-style Clipper Express for grab-and-go goodies, and casual poolside bites and a full bar at the Salty Siren. The lobby’s Florida Bar offers a full bar and menu of more casual (and affordable) versions of the menu from Naked Crab. Room service is available 24/7.
The historic Wreck Bar is part of the original hotel design and resembles the inside of a wooden ship. The nautical theme is strong, though it’s the underwater mermaid shows that are the biggest draw. The back of the bar is built against one of the hotel's pools, and patrons can watch both family-friendly and burlesque-style B Ocean Resort mermaid shows through the glass.

B Ocean Resort's beach is popular and can get busy in high seasons, though it's often more relaxed than Fort Lauderdale's central beach area. Guests have their own area on the beach with free padded loungers, but umbrellas cost extra. Sun-worshippers can expect soft sand and mostly calm waters. When not hosting mermaid shows, the Clipper Pool is set up with a towel station and loungers. For food and drink service, and a livelier vibe, visitors can head over to the beach-facing infinity pool. Loungers and umbrellas are available here, as are cabana beds for rent.
There are two treatment suites at the spa, each with a private seating area, two treatment rooms, and a full bathroom. The gym is small but well-stocked with cardio machines and free weights, plus yoga mats, exercise balls, free disposable headphones, and chilled towels.
Six modular meeting rooms can fit between 30 and 400 people in various setups, plus there's an upscale banquet space that comes to a point at the front of the hotel's "ship". In-house catering is from Naked Crab, while audiovisual services and equipment are offered for a fee from a third party.
There’s an expensive resort fee here, which covers loaner bikes, beach loungers, in-room Keurig machines and pods, pool and gym access, and Wi-Fi. Parking is either valet or garage self-parking, and both are expensive (common for the area).