Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach

This design-conscious hotel is all about the fun-in-the-sun Fort Lauderdale Beach lifestyle. The memorable lobby with white, wavy walls and marble floors and pillars, is bathed in alternating neon colors that become more dramatic after dark. The property buzzes with activity, as travelers come and go throughout the day on the way to the beach or pool, which is typically packed. Guests are mostly couples, and it's a pick for wedding parties given the panoramic ocean views from its ample event space. It’s also a popular pre- and post-cruise hotel, and even though decor is trendy, the property's relaxed vibe suits the many families seen here as well.

The Sonesta Fort Lauderdale enjoys a great location directly across A1A Highway from Fort Lauderdale Beach. The hotel is in the heart of the main strip, within walking distance of restaurants and other hotels along the road. It's also close to area sights including lovely gardens, a state park, and top shopping. The highway can become congested -- especially on weekends -- but getting to airports and other cities close by is generally easy.

• Nine-minute walk to Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
• Five-minute drive to The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale
• Five-minute drive to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
• 12-minute drive to Downtown Fort Lauderdale
• 14-minute drive to NSU Art Museum of Fort Lauderdale
• 16-minute drive to Museum of Discovery and Science
• 20-minute drive to Fort Lauderdale International Airport
• 34-minute drive to Boca Raton
• 35-minute drive to Butterfly World
• 58-minute drive to West Palm Beach
• 60-minute drive to Miami Beach

It's tough to beat the sweeping ocean views seen from all of Sonesta Fort Lauderdale's guest rooms. The serene vistas inspire the units' airy ambiance, with decor that's kept to white and neutrals, except for bright pops of aqua from artwork and decorative pillows. Ample space is a big plus -- with plenty of room for desks, armchairs, and seating areas -- and amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, and free Wi-Fi, and some rooms that are a step up have minibars. Bathrooms, however, are a bit basic for a four-pearl hotel, and toiletries are in wall-mounted dispensers. But there are large, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and stainless steel-framed vanities, with basin sinks and ample space to stow towels and other items.

Kings and large Double Rooms are available in addition to 24 Suites and Junior Suites of varying sizes.

The range of amenities at this hotel measure up to similar upscale Fort Lauderdale Beach properties, but features here fall a bit short. The outdoor pool has a lovely setting, with palm trees towering above, but it's small, as is the gym, although it has ocean views and three types of cardio equipment. The spa “suite” is just a single room with two-person whirlpool tub, offering massage and other treatments.

The hotel's elegant on-site restaurant, however, is a highlight. Breakfast is available for a fee, with a buffet served on weekends. Lunch and dinner menus have fresh seafood and other regional specialties, plus extensive wine lists.

A daily resort fee to cover beach chairs, towels, and bottled water is a drawback, but it includes two free welcome drinks at the lobby bar or poolside bar, both of which also serve light fare. The lobby bar features live music, too.

There's also a 24/7 business center in the lobby, with two desktop computers and free printing, and event space for up to 300 people, with excellent ocean views. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry, and there's room service and free Wi-Fi throughout, but parking is valet-only, and it’s expensive.