The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

This isn't your mother's Ritz-Carlton. The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale has swapped out the brand's traditional luxurious decor, heavy in brass, marble, thick dark carpets, and classic furniture for a fresher, more modern look. In 2016, renovations targeted millennials, and the hotel emerged with a new look featuring contemporary leather seating, thrifty vintage decor accents, and mermaid tiles. A new restaurant was added and rooms were completely redecorated, though the latter still have a classically elegant feel with rich wood, sailboat artwork, and neutral tones. Walking in, guests are met with an open lobby housing leather bucket seats, posh curved couches, and a pool table that can be used to kill time while waiting for a room. The classy and fun vibe attracts young families, couples, and friends, though fans of the classic Ritz look and feel may be disappointed. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is located directly across from Fort Lauderdale Beach, just south of the Central Beach area. There are a collection of restaurants, shops, and bars along A1A Highway, all within walking distance. This is a touristy area that can get congested during peak season, and visitors should expect high prices, including for parking. It's a 12-minute drive to downtown Fort Lauderdale and a 14-minute drive to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Miami Airport is 40 minutes away by car. 

Fort Lauderdale Beach is located just in front of the hotel, and can be accessed via a private skywalk or by crossing the busy main road on the ground level. While this is a public beach, pairs of contemporary lounge chairs with umbrellas, towels, and bottled water are set up for guests. The atmosphere at the beach depends on the month, though it tends to be a guest favorite year-round. High season winter months and spring break can cause the beach to be lively and packed, while the hot summer months have a more relaxed vibe. Water sports are available from third-party vendors. 

The 192 rooms and suites here offer a light and bright neutral color scheme with glass and metal furniture, knit carpeting, and wood tile floors. Contemporary dark-wood furniture and spacious marbled bathrooms keep spaces feeling luxe, while big beds, signature Ritz-Carlton bathrobes, and Asprey branded bath products add comfort. All rooms and suites come with free daily bottled water, iPod docking stations, and honor-based minibars stocked with snacks, candy, and alcohol. Standard hotel rooms are comfortably sized for couples and sport furnished balconies with oceanfront, partial ocean, or intracoastal views. However, noise from the street and pool bar, as well as adjacent rooms due to thin walls, have been reported, so if this is a concern, it's best to request a room toward the top. Hotel suites have dedicated living room areas with converter love seats, while residential suites -- in a connected residential building -- have apartment layouts and well-stocked kitchenettes with induction burners, blenders, microwaves, and refrigerators.

Relaxing and contemporary but not over the top, the 8,500-square-foot space features a full-service hair and nail salon and 11 different treatment rooms. Spa-goers also have a co-ed relaxation room with fresh fruit, infused water, and tea, and male/female locker rooms with a separate steam room and large glass sauna. There are no exotic treatments on the list, but guests will find a wide range of traditional options, ranging from massages and body scrubs to mani-pedis. Burlock Coast functions as the hotel's main restaurant, and it's open for all meals and weekend brunch seatings. Dishes bounce through a variety of international cuisines and use ingredients from several local farms. The open-plan dining room is casual and has a slight vintage, nautical theme; waiters pour table water from brown glass jugs, accent floor and bar tiles resemble fish scales, and wooden barrels are used as decor. Unique features a corner rum shop and popular market-style eatery with cured meats and baked goods. The Poolside Cafe gives guests an even more relaxed option and mostly Latin-themed menu, Island Oasis frozen drinks, and shaded outdoor seating. The pool area plays top hits from different decades and has two small hot tubs, great views out to the ocean, and access to the beach overpass. The pool itself is average in size and surrounded by several padded loungers with the occasional umbrella. Service from the Poolside Cafe keeps drinks and food flowing, and a small fake-grass area has a plastic playground for kids. There's also a station set up with self-serve infused water and suntan lotion. Other hotel features include a business center, valet parking (fee), and an overnight laundry service (fee). This is a pet-friendly hotel with a hefty flat rate per stay ($250 during our visit). The resort fee is high, and there are mixed opinions on whether you'll get your monies worth. The daily fee includes high-speed Wi-Fi, two beach chairs and umbrellas, and water taxi rides around town. Other daily amenities include use of two of the hotel's beach cruiser bikes for up to four hours, one 60-minute fitness class, and two free rum punch drinks.