4244 El Mar Dr, Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida, United States | (888) 962-8097
Fun beachfront location in Fort Lauderdale
Great snorkeling on reefs found directly from the beach
Apartment-style rooms with some ocean views
Two heated outdoor pools; one has direct ocean views
Free Wi-Fi, parking, and bike rentals
Zayak sea sleds for rent (extra charge)
Coin-operated laundry machines and BBQ facilities are nice for extended stays
A relaxation garden is well-maintained
No restaurant or breakfast
Public beach is without facilities
Some complaints of noise from the pool
Room decor is dated
Windjammer Resort is a small three-pearl property built right on the sandy public beach in Fort Lauderdale. Though the name may lead you to believe this is a full service resort, it's really more akin to apartments on the beach. Divers and snorkelers come here so they can access the reefs just fifty feet from the shoreline. Many families like the hotel because of the two heated outdoor pools, spacious apartment-style rooms with full kitchens, and walking distance proximity to shops and restaurants. There isn't a restaurant on-site or many facilities, though guests can borrow bikes or rent zayak sea sleds to play in the water. If a full-service hotel is more your scene compare rates at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel, but you'll lose the great walkable location and kitchens in the rooms.
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Scene
Families on the beach
The Windjammer Resort is composed of two adjoined two- and three-story buildings with a lobby in front and the two swimming pools in the back of the property, just in front of the public beach. A short glass wall and patch of seagrass is all that separates guests from the sand. Inside, the lobby is more functional than relaxing. The space is mainly composed of the white reception desk and marketing brochures. There's a desk with a laptop and printer, along with two contemporary armchairs. Sun protection products are for sale here. Outside, the pools are flanked with lime green sun loungers and palm trees. One pool has an adjacent relaxation garden set with artificial grass, rocks, and comfy couches and chairs. The beach is just a few feet away from the pools. The beach location and low rates draw families, seniors, groups, and partiers. The vibe is fun but not out-of-control spring break style.
Location
On the beach in Fort Lauderdale-by-the-sea
Windjammer Resort has an excellent location in Fort Lauderdale by-the-sea, just one block from Anglin's Square and its picturesque fishing pier. The tiny town doesn't allow buildings over three stories high, so ocean views are ample. Within a few blocks radius of the hotel you'll find seafood restaurants for all budgets, a Walgreens, and souvenir shops. The nearest neighbors are other hotels.
Rooms
Studio and one-bedroom apartments
There are 33 apartment-style rooms at Windjammer Resort, spread out between two buildings and three-stories. Of course, rooms on the third floor facing the ocean have the best views while those on the first-floor facing the pool or parking lot are less appealing. Both room types are spacious with full kitchens stocked with utensils, dishes, a refrigerator, dishwasher, and electric burners but no oven. Decor is a bit dated but very clean. Tile floors and white walls are jazzed up with paintings of beach scenes. Brown leather sofas are placed in front of flat-screen TVs and wooden dining tables seat four. White tiled bathrooms include showers with fabric curtains and single sinks. A hair dryer is mounted to the wall and there isn't much counter space. Most rooms have furnished balconies. Wi-Fi is free.Guests who book at least a three night stay get a gift basket with wine and goodies.
Features
Beach, bikes, and no breakfast -- plus two swimming pools
There aren't loads of features at Windjammer Resort but the great location and low rates make up for it for most guests. Two beachfront swimming pools with sun loungers are a great feature for this price point. Guests can rent Zayak sea sleds to play in the water and many guests bring their own dive gear to explore the reefs off the beach. Bike rentals are free. There's a grill and BBQ facilities along with a relaxation garden next to the south pool. Coin operated laundry facilities are great for long-term stays. You won't find a bar, restaurant, or fitness center here. If those are must haves for vacation, check rates at Ocean Manor Resort, but lose the great location and apartment-style rooms found at Windjammer Resort.
