Fort Lauderdale really is a great destination and they have built some new hotels in the last few years. They have a W Hotel, Ritz Carlton, B Ocean, Hilton, Atlantic, to name a few. I haven't been but I hear great things about the W Hotel, which I think caters to the younger crowd and should have a nice pool. There is the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort which is right on the ocean, a little further down AIA from the others, but nice place. Check out this link for some ideas: http://www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury-hotels/302/north-america/united-states-south/ft-lauderdale-fl

You can always check out South Beach for more nightlife and tons of boutique hotels. Miami is definitely more of a party town then Fort Lauderdale, but I like FL because its easier to get around and less expensive, IMO.

We had a great time in Cocoa Beach this year. Oceonfront hotel with balcony views over the ocean. Nice pool with Tiki Bar. The pier is next door for entertainment. Look at La Quinta Oceanfront, it would be nice for a weekend break I think.

I live in Ft. Lauderdale, the "W" is overrated, nice hotel but service is okay. Young crowd though.I'd recommend the Marriott Harbor Beach hotel, Hilton on 17th Street or B Ocean, which is new. Las Olas has alot of bars, restaurants. Casa Blanca - romantic restaurant.

South beach is of course fun and nonstop. The Standard- great spa. B&B has great hamburgers and Yard Bird has some great southern food. Of course all the night clubs. Delano is a must see. Joe Stone crab. Mint, Live fountain blue. Expect $45 cover plus drinks are always $15.

Another option is St. Augustine. About 45 south of Jacksonville. Great beaches & great food. D-town St. Augustine is awesome. Scarlet's - bar, O'steins - shrimp, Casa de gallo - sangria/ Pirate bar, Saltwater cowboys - great seafood. Hotel Maria great brunch. Its historical, fun and relaxing. You can rent a boat 1/2 day for about $125 near Cresent Beach. About 1.5 away in Ocala are fresh water springs. We loved salt springs.

Thank you for all of the ideas!

Long weekend trip to FL sounds superb! South Beach is a great getaway place, and I’d recommend a hotel on Ocean Drive. In particular, I’ve enjoyed my stays at the Congress Hotel South Beach. It’s in the Art Deco District (the hotel building itself is really cool) with a beachfront location, and a great rooftop pool. That area is awesome and has a lot of fun places to go as far as nightlife, shopping, and places to eat—and you can definitely reach all of it by walking!
Here's a link to the hotel's website, http://www.congresshotelsouthbeach.com/

we also like South Beach... perfect for the weekend getaway try the Surfcomber Hotel at 1717 Collins.. right on the beach... great pool steps from shopping, eats and action...

www.surfcomber.com