Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street

The 12-story Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale has a fancier lobby than most most competitors in the area. The façade of the hotel is inviting, with white and teal accents and lush foliage surrounding the entrance. The lobby is large and has a Mediterranean vibe with terra-cotta tile floors, large tropical-themed murals, white arches, marble countertops, and warm wood accents; it opens up to a huge, lushly landscaped atrium that is the height of the hotel and lets in lots of natural light. The E Spot Restaurant and Bar sits on the main floor of the atrium, where a koi pond is also located, and outdoors is is pool with waterfall. The hotel is popular among business travelers and short-term guests because of its close proximity to the airport, cruise ship port, and convention center.

Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale sits on the busy 17th Street Causeway, but is walking distance from the cruise ship docks of Point Everglades, the Broward County Convention Center, and restaurants and shops, mostly of the “chain” variety. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is a short drive away, as is Fort Lauderdale Beach. The hotel offers a shuttle to both the airport (for a fee) and the beach daily. Downtown Fort Lauderdale, centered on the Riverwalk (10 blocks north of 17th Street), is the main hub for art, entertainment, and shopping in the city.

All accommodations at the Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale come in the form of two-room suites, each with one bedroom, one common room with sofa bed, a kitchenette, and a private balcony. The dark wood furnishings, neutral walls and carpet, floral drapes, and bamboo-framed illustrations of palm trees give the rooms an understated tropical feel. The rooms come equipped with free cable and a flat-screen TV, but Wi-Fi is available for a fee. Bathrooms are clean and tidy and come with complimentary Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries.

The most notable feature that the Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale offers is its large atrium, which adds an airy feel to the property. The E Spot Restaurant and Bar, which sits in the atrium by the koi pond, serves lunch and dinner. The hotel offers free made-to-order breakfast each morning and a manager’s reception each evening with free snacks and beverages. There is a large outdoor pool with a rock waterfall and a hot tub. The fitness center is located on the 12th floor, overlooking downtown Fort Lauderdale and the ocean. The beach is a 10-minute ride on the free daily shuttle. There is a fee for self-parking and valet parking, and pets are allowed, but for an additional fee.